Altarpiece at the main chapel
The Retablo Mayor is an amazing altarpiece like no other. This massive and intricately-carved wooden structure is 66 ft high and 60 ft wide and is part of the altar at the Capilla Mayor (Main Chapel) situated in the central nave of the Seville Cathedral.
The building of this altarpiece started in 1482 by Pieter Dancart, a sculptor from present-day Belgium, and continued by several skilled sculptors before its completion in 1564.
Just above the base of the altarpiece and at the center of the bottom row is a beautifully carved sculpture of Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, known as the La Virgen de la Sede (Virgin of the See). Carved in wood and coated with silver, this sculpture was made in the 13th century. The Virgen de la Sede is the patron saint of the Seville Cathedral and is also the reason for its official name, Catedral de Santa María de la Sede.
The top four rows of the front portion depict the scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. The compartments are separated vertically by pilasters, which are also ornate with carvings of historical figures from the Bible or Church.
Check this page Retablo Mayor – Altarpiece of the Main Chapel for a detailed explanation of the compartments.
Related Posts and Pages
– Seville Cathedral: An awe-inspiring architectural marvel
— Sala Capitular – The Chapter House of the Seville Cathedral
— Sacristía Mayor – The Main Sacristy of the Seville Cathedral
– La Giralda: A harmonious blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles
– Las Setas of Seville – A modern artistic structure in a historical city
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