Highlights
Retable known as the Little Cathedral
- Artist
- –
- Locality
- Cologne
- Date
- c. 1360/1370
- Material
- Oak, pearwood, walnut, original polychromy and paint
- Dimensions
- H. 147.5 cm
- Location
- not exhibited
- Inventory Number
- L MA 1968 a-d
- Acquisition
- From the Boisserée collection. Assigned from the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen in 1875. On permanent loan from the Wittelsbacher Ausgleichsfonds
Description
This small winged retable is absolutely singular and in an excellent state of conservation. Particularly noteworthy is the filigree architectural finial with its two spires, which gave the work its title in the 19th century. It seems to anticipate the façade of the Cologne Cathedral which was only completed 500 years later. Also exceptional is the stage, open on three sides, showing the Annunciation of Mary in front of a gilded rear wall. Above, God the Father, accompanied by two angels, appears on a cloud to give his blessing. The centrepiece is accompanied by depictions of important saints and central moments of Jesus' childhood with lovingly observed details.
You can also find this object in the online collection
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