Altar
1625-1650 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This monumental amber and ivory altar is from Danzig (now Gdansk), and was probably produced in the second quarter of the 17th century. The form of the altar resembles mid-17th century North German wall monuments. The central amber relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds is based on a Netherlandish print, and engraved sources are also likely to have been used for the ivory reliefs also to be seen here. Few parallels can be cited for such an elaborate work of art in amber.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Amber and ivory on a wooden carcase |
| Brief description | Altar, amber and ivory on a wooden carcase, Danzig (modern Gdańsk), Royal Prussia, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, second quarter of the 17th century |
| Physical description | This altar stands on four ivory cushion feet. It has a carcase of wood with applied amber and ivory panels and relief. The front displays scenes and figures from the New Testament. In the centre is a relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds. On the back is a perpetual calendar, and further Biblical scenes. Great attention has been given to details. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | ALTAR
Polish (Gdansk, Poland); about 1650
Amber and ivory on wood carcase
Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A.
Amber was used to adorn precious religious and secular object in Poland, Denmark and Prussia especially during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Often, as here, it was combined with ivory. This imposing altar is one of the most impressive of such works to survive. On the front are scenes from the New Testament, while on the back are Old Testament scenes, and a perpetual calendar.
(1993 - 2011) |
| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Formerly in the collection of Sir E. Naylor Leyland. Sold at the sale of contents of Hyde Park House, 11 June 1923, lot 186 NB. While the term ‘cripple’ has been used in this record, it has since fallen from usage and is now considered offensive. The term is repeated in this record in its original historical context. |
| Subjects depicted | Shepherd Angel Ox Donkey Column Vine Fruit Festoons Apostle Bird Flower Architecture Aquarius Symbol Aries Symbol Cancer Symbol Capricorn Symbol Gemini Symbol Leo Symbol Libra Symbol Pisces Symbol Sagittarius Symbol Scorpio Symbol Taurus Symbol Virgo Symbol Zodiac Symbol Evangelists Eagle Winged Ox Winged Lion Cherubim Whale Jesus Christ Gabriel (Angel) Mary (Virgin Mary) John (Saint John the Evangelist) Adam Eve John (Saint John the Baptist) Moses Elijah Matthew (Saint) Mark (Saint) Luke (Saint) Wise Men Zacchaeus Jonah The Adoration of the Shepherds The Annunciation Return of the Prodigal Son The Last Supper Baptism of Christ The Transfiguration Christ Walking on the Waves Walk to Emmaus The Agony in the Garden The Crucifixion Adoration of the Magi Christ Meets Zacchaeus Christ Prophesying Peter's Denial Christ Healing the Cripple The Temptation of Christ The Last Judgement The Fall of Man Jonah and the Whale Expulsion Out of Paradise Apocalypse Moses and the Brazen Serpent |
| Place depicted | |
| Summary | This monumental amber and ivory altar is from Danzig (now Gdansk), and was probably produced in the second quarter of the 17th century. The form of the altar resembles mid-17th century North German wall monuments. The central amber relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds is based on a Netherlandish print, and engraved sources are also likely to have been used for the ivory reliefs also to be seen here. Few parallels can be cited for such an elaborate work of art in amber. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.1-1950 |
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| Record created | January 28, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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