Zwei Konzepte, ein Ziel

Das letzte Retabel von Peter Breuer und seine Predella

Abstract

Two concepts, one goal - The last retable by Peter Breuer and his predella
The last altarpiece of the Zwickauer sculptor Peter Breuer, the Kirchberger Retabel, was completed in 1521. Today its individual parts are stored in two different places. Since 1864 the sculpture shrine has been exhibited in the Freiberg „Stadt- und Bergbaumuseum“. The predella and two sculptures from the sculpted crown of the altarpiece are located in the municipality Kirchberg in the Erzgebirge. Wood and painting technology reflect the high quality of the Breuer workshop. At the Kirchberger Retabel - similar to other works by Breuer - the somewhat coarse painting of the panel paintings contrasts with the fineness of the sculptural faces. Leaf metals dominate the setting, most of which are covered with colored glazes. In particular, their preservation is an expression of the unadulterated aged original condition. Based on this condition, a conservation concept was developed that is geared to museum presentation. It would have been obvious to transfer the concept also to the altar parts remaining in Kirchberg. However, they first had to find acceptance in the community again for their preservation. In order to return them from oblivion in the rectory back to the church and thus to the consciousness of the congregation, pure conservation was not sufficient. Therefore, a more comprehensive concept was implemented in the church context to ensure the preservation of the predella. Since 2017 the Predella is again set up in the Kirchberger church.