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

Narrower term/s

• reredoses (screens)
• retables (altar appendage)
• retablos (panel paintings) [NP]
• Schnitzaltars
• palas (altarpieces)
• anconas
• portable altarpieces

Anotations

Scope note:

Refers to painted or carved image-bearing objects in a Christian church. Altarpieces are characterized by usually being framed and either set on the rear part of the altar abutting the back of the altarblock or hung on the wall behind the altar. Altarpieces may be set on both the central high altar and side altars. The subject of the image is typically a religious figure or figures, often included in a narrative or didactic scene; it may also include a patron of the church.