Colors and Forms around 1300

The polychrome architectural paintings of the Dominican Church in Krems are the culmination of a major Gothic building project. The recently completed restoration has made it possible to bring the unique decoration of the church interior back to life. 

This book brings the colorful ornaments of the 13th century down from their dizzying heights to within reach. The text spans an arc from the history of the construction and use of the church building to technical information on the paintings and culminates in a catalog that for the first time makes it possible to view all facets of the more than 450 preserved patterns of the choir vault. It is a journey into a complex medieval color space that impresses with its virtuosity and artistic freedom.

Claudia Riff, born in Vienna in 1960, is an academic restorer of wall paintings and architectural surfaces. She has been managing restoration projects for many years and is active in consulting and supporting construction projects.

Fabia Podgorschek, born in Vienna in 1985, studied classical archaeology as well as monument conservation and building research. She works in the field of heritage conservation with a focus on wall painting and architectural surfaces.

“Hardly any other medieval object in Austria can boast such artistic freedom and such a variety of ornamentation.”
Claudia Riff, Fabia Podgorschek