Course for international guest/part time students
- Faculty
- Faculty of Humanities
- Organization
- BTK Institute of Art History
- Code
- MA-ERA-IAH-L-30
- Title
- Late Medieval Winged Altarpieces in East-Central Europe, ca. 1450–1530
- Usual semester
- Autumn
- ECTS
- 8
- Language
- en
- Description
- In the first half of the 15th century, Southern German regions synthesized earlier, diverse forms of altar decoration into a distinctive type of retable: the winged altarpiece. This structure—featuring a central shrine with monumental wooden sculptures and one or two pairs of hinged wings adorned with reliefs or paintings on both sides—became the dominant form of altarpiece for the next century. In the lands east of present-day Germany—including the kingdoms of Bohemia, Poland, and Hungary, as well as the Duchy of Austria—this type also gained popularity. Among the most famous examples is Veit Stoss’s high altar in St. Mary’s Church in Cracow. This course explores the history and major works of winged altarpieces in East-Central Europe, examining the phenomenon as a case of cultural transfer. We will address key questions such as: What role did the winged altarpiece play in regional altar decoration practices? How did the German-speaking population contribute to the spread of this form? What was the relationship between locally produced works and Western European imports? By engaging with these questions, students will gain insight into broader social and cultural developments in the region. One class session will be held at the Hungarian National Gallery, providing an opportunity to study original winged altarpieces firsthand.