The Gothic winged altarpiece – Part 2

When the wings are closed

It is only over the Advent and Christmas period, when the outer wings of the Gothic altarpiece at the parish church in Hallstatt are open but the inner wings remain closed, that 4 masterfully worked representations of the central scenes from the earthly life of Jesus Christ, hidden on the rear side of the outer wings, are revealed.

And it is here on the painting of Jesus’ circumcision that master craftsman Leonhard Astl leaves his mark, which is still partly visible. You can decipher the artist’s surname and part of his Christian name on a priest’s mantle.

During Lent both sets of wings remain closed. In this position the panels show further scenes from the life of Christ, as you can see in the detail image. When all wings are closed the figures on the sides of the main shrine are also visible, the so-called guardians of the shrine. Saint George on the left, Saint Florian on the right.

It is hard to believe that the Marian altar in Hallstatt has only been preserved for posterity by coincidence. In the Baroque period it is supposed to be replaced by an up-to-date equivalent, along with the smaller altar. But since nobody is prepared to pay for its removal and disposal, Leonhard Astl’s masterpiece stays put.