ALTARPIECE OF SAINT PETER

OBSERVATIONS 

In the past, this altarpiece was always traditionally included in the group of imported altarpieces, a hypothesis confirmed by the composition of the polychrome decoration, a few of the applied brocade patterns (very similar to those used by Maestro I*T) and certain techniques used to manufacture the frame, such as the way in which the wood was split and the way the rears of the compartments were assembled.

However, its notable size and impressive verticality both define the altarpiece's structure with its compartments without intricate architecturally-decorated canopies and very similarly-proportioned vertical sections distinguish the altarpiece from others made in Flanders. To this must also be added that fact that, since some of its decorative elements protrude outwards from the main body of the altarpiece, it could never have had wings. All of the above, together with the simplification of its compositions made up of fewer, but larger figures often placed against rocky backgrounds across which smaller figures moved, all tell us that this particular work was a very singular request.