Adlhart, Jakob

Adlhart, Jakob, b. Munich (Germany), April 1, 1898, d. Hallein (Salzburg), Aug. 12, 1985, sculptor. Trained in his father's workshop in the Grödner Tal valley (South Tyrol), then from 1918 in Hallein; from 1921-1923 studied under A. Hanak at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. Created mainly wooden sculptures for church interiors in Salzburg, Upper Austria and Southern Germany; initially his work showed historical tendencies, later expressionist characteristics which A. combined with the alpine wood carving tradition. At the peak of his career in the 1920s and 1930s, A. created his monumental works of St. Peter's Church in Salzburg (crucifix, 1925) and for the Salzburg Festival building (marble Thespian mask above the main entrance, 1926, stone reliefs with guardian spirits wearing masks, figured decoration of the steps leading up the Mönchsberg, 1936/37).

Literature: A. Hahnl, Der Bildhauer J. A., 1980 (with work index); F. Achleitner, Ö. Architekten im 20. Jh., vol. 1, 1980.