Design for an Altar

The left half of an architectural design for an altar is shown. The mensa had a convex plan, with four steps in front of the straight central part. The head piece has four steps. The retable consists of a high and complicated pedestal, with the figure of the Virgin praying in front of the Cross. The wall behind the retable had the form of a niche. At its front corner an angel is kneeling upon a pedestal, carrying a candlestick with five arms upon his head. At the corner of the mensa stands a candelabrum with two flying angels beside its shaft, and with a standing angel carrying three candle branches upon the head. The stucco decoration of the wall is suggested but not entirely executed.

Credit: Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund