In the heart of Schwabach, Bavaria, lies a true gem of late Gothic art: the Schwabacher Altar. This magnificent high altar, housed in the Evangelical Church of St. John and St. Martin, is a masterpiece from the workshop of Michael Wolgemut, the renowned teacher of Albrecht Dürer. Completed in 1508, the Schwabacher Altar stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance of its time, adorned with intricate carvings and lavish use of gold leaf, making it a must-see for any visitor to this charming Bavarian town.
Standing at over fifteen meters high and more than six and a half meters wide, the Schwabacher Altar is one of the largest late Gothic winged altars. This polyptych features a pair of fixed outer wings, a pair of movable outer wings, and a pair of movable inner wings, allowing for a dynamic display that changes throughout the liturgical year. The altar showcases three distinct sides: the Passion side, the Weekday side, and the Festive side, each with its own unique artistic elements and themes.
When the wings of the altar are closed, the Passion side is revealed, depicting four poignant scenes from the Passion of Christ. These scenes are flanked by the church's patron saints, St. John the Baptist and St. Martin, who are represented on the fixed wings. The predella, or the base of the altar, also features a moving depiction of the Entombment of Christ, adding to the somber yet powerful narrative of this side of the altar.
Opening the outer wings reveals the Weekday side, which celebrates the lives of the church's patron saints. The upper row is dedicated to scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, while the lower row focuses on St. Martin. Each panel is meticulously painted, capturing the essence of these revered figures and their significant contributions to the Christian faith. The predella remains closed on this side, maintaining the continuity of the Passion narrative below.
The Festive side of the Schwabacher Altar is a true feast for the eyes. When the inner wings are opened, the altar comes alive with gilded carvings and vibrant reliefs. This side is reserved for the grandest of Christian celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. The four reliefs on the wings depict key moments from the lives of Mary and Jesus, each scene intricately detailed and resplendent in gold.
The centerpiece of the Festive side is the main shrine, which houses four towering sculptures, each up to 1.80 meters high. The central theme is the Coronation of Mary by Christ, a scene filled with divine grace and majesty. To the left of Christ stands St. John the Baptist, pointing towards the coronation with a gesture of reverence. To the right of Mary is St. Martin, the other patron saint of the church, completing this holy tableau.
Below the main shrine, the predella opens to reveal a sculptural representation of the Last Supper. The inner sides of the predella wings are adorned with paintings of the church's patron saints, St. John the Baptist and St. Martin, on the left, and St. Anne with the Virgin and Child and St. Elizabeth on the right. This lower section of the altar adds depth and richness to the overall narrative, bridging the divine and the earthly realms.
Rising above the main shrine is the spire, where Christ is depicted as the Judge of the World, seated on a double rainbow and surrounded by Mary and St. John the Baptist. Two angels, positioned above the fixed wings, sound their trumpets, heralding the Last Judgment. Below, on the upper plate of the shrine, the dead rise from their graves, adding a dramatic and awe-inspiring element to the altar's design. At the very top, the group of St. Anne with the Virgin and Child completes this heavenly vision.
The reverse side of the Schwabacher Altar is equally captivating, featuring a detailed depiction of the Holy Kinship. This genealogical tree illustrates the three marriages of St. Anne, with Mary and the Christ Child at the center, flanked by St. Joseph and the other daughters of St. Anne. The fixed wings are adorned with leafy vines on a green background, symbolizing growth and continuity. The predella on this side shows two angels holding the Veil of Veronica, adding a touch of celestial grace to the overall composition.
The Schwabacher Altar is more than just a work of art; it is a profound expression of faith, history, and craftsmanship. Each visit to this remarkable piece offers new insights and a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage it represents. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Schwabacher Altar is an experience that will leave you in awe of its beauty and significance.
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