ALTARPIECE OF SAINT PETER

SUPPORT AND ELABORATION 

The oak relief work of the altarpiece is probably made up of four panels: one for the predella and three whose size coincides with each of the vertical sections. All joints are hidden by the architectural decoration covering the entire front of the altarpiece. The rears of the compartments are made from horizontally-positioned panels joined together using bevel joints. Pieces of architectural decoration and other decorative elements making up the backgrounds are attached to the rear of the compartments. Most of the space in the compartments is occupied by scenes comprising several figures distributed on different levels.

The figures which we have been able to access are made of different qualities of oak. The oak in larger figures has been cut tangentially through the centre of the panel, whereas the wood used in some of the smaller figures has been hollowed out. Marks can be observed to the rears and sides of the figures that were left when the figures were fitted into the limited compartment space. Marks from tools and clamps used to hold the figure in place on the woodcarver's bench may also be observed.