Retable anversois de la cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes, 16th-century wooden altarpiece in Cathedral Saint-Pierre, Rennes, France
The Retable anversois is a wooden altarpiece featuring intricate carved scenes from the Virgin Mary's life and the Tree of Jesse throughout its structure. Each section displays skillfully crafted wooden elements arranged in a composed, organized layout.
This wooden altarpiece was created in Antwerp around 1520 as a major religious artwork. Over centuries it endured water damage and was targeted by thieves multiple times, particularly in the late 20th century.
The altarpiece reflects the outstanding workshop tradition of Antwerp, with painted oak sculptures arranged in distinct sections showing many figures in scenes from religious stories. The way these sections fit together shows how skilled craftsmen organized religious narratives for viewers.
The altarpiece is kept in a designated area within the cathedral and is protected by iron gates with video monitoring for safekeeping. The secure setting ensures this historical piece is carefully preserved for viewing.
During restoration work in Vesoul, hidden details within the wooden sculptures became visible, revealing facial features and ornaments of the carved figures that had been covered for centuries. This careful work uncovered artistic subtleties that had long been forgotten.
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