CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)

High Altar (open)

c. 1540
Tempera on wood
Marktkirche, Halle

The High Altar (Marienretabel) in the Market Church in Halle was executed by the Cranach school. It is open at Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. The central panel depicts Mary as Queen of Heaven with the founder of the altar, Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg. The Blessed Mother sits enthroned in the midst of a glory on the crescent moon, surrounded by a cloud with angels. The wings show St. Mauritius on the left and St. Alexander on the right. On the Predella Mary appears in the midst of the fourteen helpers.