Gedecoreerd retabel before 1889

This decorated altarpiece, crafted anonymously, likely in the 16th century, presents a fascinating interplay of religious and classical motifs. Angels and biblical figures command our attention, framed by Corinthian columns—a nod to ancient architectural principles, echoing a renewed interest in classical antiquity during the Renaissance. These symbolic columns, reaching upwards, are not merely structural; they're potent reminders of classical ideals, resurrected and repurposed. Think of the column as a symbolic carrier: from ancient temples of Greece and Rome, signifying strength and order, to Christian altarpieces, embodying divine aspiration. This continuity demonstrates how symbols morph, carrying echoes of the past into new contexts. The presence of angels, common in Renaissance art, illustrates the era’s fascination with bridging the divine and the earthly. Their graceful presence, repeated across centuries, evokes a collective memory of spiritual transcendence, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Notice how these elements aren't static; they've resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings throughout history.