eclectic imaging (redux)
St. Mariä Himmelfahrt: High Altar
Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 3 February 2009 in Art & Design.
'High' indeed: with 22.50 m (~74 ft) it fills the choir up to the ceiling. Donated by a Bavarian elector in 1628, reconstructed from rescued remnants 1964 - 1979; this altar is a perfect example of Jesuit staginess. Its flanking figures are various saints from the Old and New Testament; the paintings are exchangeable according to the ecclesial holidays. Also remarkable is the tabernacle that has a complicated mechanism that opens the doors and presents the monstrance, accompanied by angels. For a brief moment I was in Rome.
My (old) coffee-table book of selected postings.
More MadScientist: eclecticimaging.tumblr.com, the guy behind this blog
@Linerberry: Altars this big are even a rarity here. Usually they can be found in the southern parts of Germany.
@Sarito: Well, it's a blog, isn't it? :) Doing some research on the things I take photos from helps me to understand what they are, so why not let everybody else know too. Of course I could post today's picture with a title "church" and leave it speaking for itself, but I wouldn't be satisfied with this. Another aspect is that it helps me to better express myself in English (which is not my first language).
@Michael Skorulski: Thanks, Michael! Can't wait for spring, though. It's time to capture some plants again!
@Tracey: That's what they were built for! :o) Too bad that Baroque architecture can only be found in Spanish America, but I've found a decent surrogate for you: the Polish Cathedral style provides some great architecture too, and some of these churches are not too far away from your home!
@MaryB: That would be great and I'm looking forward to that! (Just for completeness I'm adding a link to Pugin's work, I really like his buildings!)
@JoeB: The opposite of humbleness. :)
@Twelvebit: I'd like to see its backside, this mechanism would interest me...
@Ron: Thanks, Ron! I'm not totally satisfied, as the sharpness is afflicted with non-optimal light conditions. Will have to work on this.
@Observing: Hehe, indeed, there are parallels in the design, but this Hindu temple is even more colourful. :)
@jim: I a way, both designs (Hindu temple and this altar) are (flat) pyramids. The intended effect is to raise your head, I think.
@PD: Most of it was destroyed, but many parts were collected from the debris and added by items from other churches.
@Steven: It's a bit blurry - I would have liked to do a few more shots but the next mass was already in preparation.