1000, Schmidt, Geburt Mariae, Meister des Marialebens

Schmidt manufactured this beautiful puzzle probably in the late 70s or early 80’s, as part of their Fine Art series. It is very rare and hard to find nowadays. The title on the box is Geburt Mariae, by the Meister des Marialebens or the Master of the Life of the Virgin in English. The original artwork is one of the panels, called the Visitation, of a large altarpiece of eighteen panels illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary. This panel depicts the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, with a maid. A donor of the altar kneels at the left of the panel, with his coat of arms. You can admire the full original artwork in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

The puzzle is COMPLETE, as you can see in the photograph of the puzzle assembled. The pieces are in very good condition, especially considering the puzzle is more than 40 years old. There are a few pieces with signs of prior use, as one of the photographs illustrates. The box is in good condition, but it has a torn corner and some damage from storage in another corner of the lid.

The Fine Art series by Schmidt include true puzzle gems. Other examples are the 1000 piece version of the Lion Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens and the 1000 piece version of the Carousel Game by Anton von Werner.

More information about Geburt Mariae:

• Puzzle size: 50 x 75 cm.
• Box size: 43 x 23.5 x 5.5 cm.
• Reference number: 625 2608.
• EAN number: N/A.