Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Visual and Verbal Communication (hierarchy name)
4. Visual Works (hierarchy name)
5. visual works (works)
6. [visual works by function]
7. religious visual works
8. altarpieces

Additional parents:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Components
4. components
5. components by specific context
6. architectural elements
7. architectural elements by building type
8. religious building fixtures
9. altars and altar components
10. altar components

Anotations

Scope note:

Refers to appendages placed on the mensa of an altar in a Christian church. A retable may consist of a simple shelf or ledge raised above the back of the altar and used to hold candles. It may also include an attached frame or structure enclosing painted or carved panels, with or without a shelf for candles, serving as an altarpiece. Smaller shelves are ledges are generally called "gradines," although usage overlaps. A "retable" is distinct from a 'reredos'; while the reredos typically rises from ground level behind the altar, the retable is smaller, standing either on the back of the altar itself or on a pedestal behind it. Many altars have both a reredos and a retable. For the smaller Mexican and Spanish American paintings of Christian saints and other holy figures, use 'retablos (panel painting).'