Master Paul from Levoča (around the years 1470-1542) - carver and one of the greatest medieval artists in Slovakia. He lived in Levoča, where he lead carving and painting workshops. Some researches consider him as a student of V. Stoss from Cracovia.
The main altar in the St James's church in Levoča is Master Paul's most famous top work. It is one of the highest altars of late gothic period (18.5 meters high, 6 meters wide). Panel paintings, statues and reliefs were created before the year 1515. Three statues take up the altar's centre-Madonna with Child, St. James and St. John the Evangelist and underneath there is a sculpture of The Last Supper. Master Paul created the art works with classical harmony. On the inner side of main altar's movable wings are fitted 4 reliefs: Dispersal of Apostles, Decollation of St. James (lower on the left), St. John the Evangelist at Pathmos Island and Torture of St. John to Death. Reliefs and paintings on the altar's wings are created according to the graphical templates. Some other authors helped to decorate the altar as well.
The art work of Master Paul from Levoča inspired other artists from Spiš, Šariš, Rožňava, Banská Bystrica and Liptov.