(b Nuremberg, c. 1460; d Nuremberg, 1526). German metalworker. He was the most prominent member of a family that held the right to produce gilt and silvered copperwork in Nuremberg between c. 1450 and 1550. He probably became a master coppersmith c. 1490. His manner of working copper using the intricate techniques found on goldsmiths’ work was unusual for the period. He successfully resisted repeated attempts by the goldsmiths’ guild of Nuremberg to suppress this competition and in 1513 obtained a privilege from Emperor Maximilian I permitting him to produce this type of copperwork. An inventory of Lindenast’s goods illustrates the wide range of his work, which included silvered and gilt half-length figures (probably reliquaries), relief panels depicting religious subjects, vessels in the manner of goldsmiths’ work, for example tankards, bowls for sweetmeats, dishes, plates, goblets, monstrances, patens and altar candlesticks; and such smaller works as book- and beltclasps and jewellery. Among the few surviving pieces is a fantastically shaped gilt and painted dish with a lid (1480–1500; London, V&A). Its general form follows that of the ‘Vestner Tower’, an emblem of the city of Nuremberg; miniature medieval buildings are featured on the lid. The technical virtuosity of this piece suggests that it may have been his masterpiece. The influence of the work of Peter Vischer and Adam Kraft, with whom Lindenast was acquainted, can be discerned in a relic statuette of St James (1490–1500; Nuremberg, Ger. Nmus.). From 1506 to 1509 he produced many figures for the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical display on the Frauenkirche in Nuremberg (in situ) representing homage being paid to Emperor Charles IV. Book mounts produced by Lindenast for the council of Nuremberg in 1519 show the transition to an early Renaissance style in his late work.

• Lindenast, Sebastian
  • Nuremberg, §III, 2(i): Centre of gold and silver production