Altar with the Madonna

Design by Jan Kastner, executed by students of woodcarving

and cabinetmaking at the School of Applied Arts in Prague,

Bohemia, 1897–1898

Carved wood, polychrome painted and gilt.

H: 224 cm / W: 169 cm

UMP 9546

This altar cabinet with an elevated, semi-circular vault in the centre field and rectangular side openings imitates a Renaissance-era Serlian window, a tripartite Venetian window that was a frequent architectural element used in Renaissance Revival buildings. In the cabinet, against a mountainous southern landscape with buildings in the background, stands the half-figure of Mary, her hands clasped in prayer; seated by her is the Christ Child, supported by John the Baptist. Among the pillars on either side of the scene they are accompanied by child angel figures singing and playing the lute. (jme)