CHRISTIAN, Johann Josef
(b. 1706, Riedlingen, d. 1777, Riedlingen)

Bust of the Prophet Ezekiel

c. 1764
Wood
Benedictine Abbey, Ottobeuren

Joseph Christian was born in Riedlingen (Württemberg) and played a major role in the decoration of this church, renovated by the Abbot Rupert Ness in 1764 for the celebration of the millennium of Ottobeuren. Christian achieved a sensitive and coherent ensemble in the decoration of the church, which offers an excellent example of successful collaboration with other artists. He exploited his gifts to the full without ever overreaching himself, working with the humility and conviction of a servant of both art and religion.