Today I like to explain you one of my favorite oriels! It’s the «Greiferker» on the Gallusstrasse 22. It was build 1675. The then owner, his name was Caspar Mennhard (1621–1684) was a very rich man! It is a oriel window made of oak and linden wood, richly carved.
The iconography of this Oriel window is quite religious and dedicated to the old testament. In some kind the pictures are like the copper engravings in the Bible from Matthäus Merian (1593-1650). Between these beautiful carvings are lions and female figures.
On the left side is a Relief that invokes the first book of Moses. The fight between Jacob and God (1. Mose 32,24-28 EU. The same you’ll find on this Oriel.
On the left side in the front you see Elija sitting by the brook Kerit. (1 Kön 17,1-6 EU). Two raves bring him bread and meat.
On the right side in the front you see the instruction of Jonas (Jona 4,5-6 EU). Jonas sits under the foliage.
And on the right site it is Tobias traveling (Tobit 6,2-6 EU).
Gallery
Where to find?
Gallusstrasse 22. By the way… the picture next to it on the wall was painted by Willi Koch.
More information
If you want more information, you can ask the tourist information order the book online!
Erker der Stadt St. Gallen
