Behind the Altar Table: The Development of the Painted Retable in Spain, 1350-1500
Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press, 1989. Hardcover. Oatmeal cloth/boards. Tan dj with red illus. and lettering. Clear, protective cover. 384 pp. with 177 bw figures and 5 colour plates. VG, clean and tight; art museum ex-lib. marks: sticker on dj spine, small stamp at bottom of title page, and small stamp in back. A very nice copy. Item #150008
Althought the multi-paneled altar decorations were common throughout Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, those in Spain, called retablos/retables, were by far the largest and most elaborate. Some consisted of 50 or 60 painted panels, encased in elaborately carved and gilded frames. The author explains the making of retables, including local characteristics and specific iconographic and stylistic questions. With appendices about Retable Painters in Spain, a glossary, and Prices and Dimensions of Retables by Region. Scarce.
Price: $275.00