After the death of Thomas Schwanthaler in 1707, his widow Katharina ran the workshop for 3 years. Johann Franz was the youngest son of the famous Thomas and his apprentice, and in 1710 he took over the house, the workshop, and debts in the amount of 300 guilders. His works are highly poetic and introspective. The two figures of Christ beside the entrance to the sculpture hall are by Johann Franz Schwanthaler.

Christ the Good Shepherd carries a lamb on his shoulders. 

The second sculpture depicts the suffering Christ as the Man of Sorrows. This type of depiction is also known as the Passion. Christ’s arms and legs are bound in chains. The deep shoulder wound is the result of carrying the cross. He has a wound on his face and is wearing the crown of thorns. The characteristic features of the Schwanthaler family style can be clearly identified in these sculptures. The almost classical line from forehead to nose is typical. The eyes are almond-shaped and slightly tilted and the eyelids are somewhat cast down. The hands are finely carved and are mostly shown in a somewhat artificial position. Johann Franz Schwanthaler sculpted both slim and larger figures.