For the past months, we've been exploring some impressive late gothic altarpieces found in Central Europe -- this would include countries like Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and so on. Today we are continuing on with that exercise, turning this time to Pfarrkirche Gampern -- St. Remigius's Church in Gampern, Austria.
The church proper was built between 1486-1515 with the altarpiece in question being constructed in 1507, possibly by Lienhart Astl. The altarpiece falls into the winged-altar model, with the two 'wings' on either side being the doors that can be closed to conceal the main decorative artwork during penitential seasons, revealing penitentially themed scenes:
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| The winged doors of the alarpiece closed, revealing various scenes of the Passion of Christ |
When opened however, the altarpiece reveals a spectacular series of woodcarvings, most especially that of the Virgin and Child who are flanked by two saints, St. Remigius (the church's patron saint) and St. Pantaleon (one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers).
Some details of just a few of the spectacular carvings:
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| Virgin and Child |
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| St. Remigius |
Within the wings we find various, evocative carved reliefs that depict the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity and Presentation.
On the crown of the altarpiece, we see an impressive assortment of very delicate, late gothic spires, and set within them are eight carved figures. On the lower tier, centrally we see the patron saint of the church, St. Remigius, as well as St. Sebastian, St. Barbara, St. Pantaleon, St. Katharina. Above, on the upper tier, we find an image of Christ Resurrected, with Our Lady and St. John to either side as in a rood scene.
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| Detail of Christ Resurrected |
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| St. Remigius |
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| St. Sebastian |
On the right we see the devil pulled the damned into Hell:
In the panel left to this one, we see another which depicts St. Peter welcoming the blessed into Heaven.
It is an impressive altarpiece all around to say the very least, showcasing one of the most interesting and impactful approaches to an altarpiece in the gothic style in my estimation. In its form, colour and detail, it rivals anything that any other period or style could similarly produce.
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