Käsitesivu

Refers to an image-bearing object or structure set on the rear part of the altar, abutting the back of the altarblock, or set behind the altar in such a way as to be visually joined with the altar when viewed from a distance. Altarpieces were set on both the high altar and side altars. Their iconography typically identified a patron of the church.

Refers to appendages placed on the mensa of an altar in a Christian church. A retable may consist of a simple shelf or ledge raised above the back of the altar and used to hold candles. It may also include an attached frame or structure enclosing painted or carved panels, with or without a shelf for candles. It is distinct from a 'reredos'; while the reredos typically rises from ground level behind the altar, the retable is smaller, standing either on the back of the altar itself or on a pedestal behind it. Many altars have both a reredos and a retable. For the smaller Mexican and Spanish American paintings of Christian saints and other holy figures, use 'retablos (Spanish colonial).'