The
Kefermarkt altarpiece is a richly decorated wooden
altarpiece in the
Late Gothic style in the parish church of
Kefermarkt in
Upper Austria. Commissioned by the knight Christoph von Zelking, it was completed around 1497.
Saints Peter,
Wolfgang and
Christopher are depicted in the central section. The wing panels depict scenes from the life of
Mary, and the altarpiece also has an intricate superstructure and two side figures of
Saints George and
Florian. The identity of its maker, known by the
notname Master of the Kefermarkt Altarpiece, is unknown, but at least two skilled sculptors appear to have created the main statuary. Throughout the centuries, it has been altered and lost its original paint and
gilding; a major restoration was undertaken in the 19th century under the direction of
Adalbert Stifter. The altarpiece has been described as "one of the greatest achievements in late-medieval sculpture in the German-speaking area". This image shows the upper-left wing panel of the Kefermarkt altarpiece, depicting the
birth of Christ. Mary is portrayed kneeling in devotion in front of the
infant Christ, who is placed before her on a fold of her dress. On the other side,
Joseph is also kneeling in front of the child. Above Mary, on the roof of the building behind them, are two angels playing a
mandolin and a
lute. The
annunciation to the shepherds can be seen in the background.
Sculpture credit: Master of the Kefermarkt Altarpiece; photographed by Uoaei1
