STEINBACH, Erwin von
(b. ~1244 ?, d. 1318 Strasbourg)
German architect. The designation “von Steinbach” comes from an inscription probably set up at the beginning of the 15th century on the north portal of the façade of Strasbourg Cathedral. Over the centuries Erwin has come to be the archetype of the medieval architect. The whole façade of Strasbourg Cathedral has been attributed to him although his actual work is difficult to determine. It is generally accepted that Erwin headed the façade workshop ca. 1285 and was probably responsible for façade Plan C and Plan D. In 1316 he was building the Virgin Chapel (destroyed 1682) in the nave, on the north side of the choir screen.
