Customer Reviews

Carved Splendor: Late Gothic Altarpieces in Southern Germany, Austria, and South Tirol

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This sumptuously illustrated book concerns the history of late gothic altarpieces. These complex structures, normally requiring a team of sculptors, painters and joiners for their creation, were present in abundance in the middle ages. Sadly many were destroyed for various reasons and few survive intact. This book, well translated from the original German edition, presents 22 of the finest remaining examples.

The beginning of the book clearly presents a history (which is complicated in itself) of gothic altarpieces. These structures had a wings on each side which were normally kept closed. These wings were normally decorated with paintings depicting biblical scenes. On special religious occasions the wings were opened to reveal lavish wooden sculptural compositions. In the earlier period these sculptures were gilded or painted. Around 1490, it became the norm to have the wood undecorated.

The superb photography presents the altarpiece initially in its closed state, then the wings are seen open and lastly there are illustrations of the normally concealed sculptural centrepiece. These are invariably of great beauty and demonstrate the highest level of craftsmanship. The detail photos of the unpainted wood sometimes show evidence of significant damage from woodworm infestation.

This is a magnificently produced volume that would be of interest to enthusiasts of this era and art in general. Look out for the equally worthwhile book entitled 'Gothic and Renaissance Altarpieces"