Altar of the Passion of the Lord
from the parish church in Krosno
Author: Author unknown
Date of creation: between 1620-1630
Dimensions: height 330 cm, width: 240 cm
Technique: carving and bas-relief in wood, gilding
It is an altarpiece, or decorative element placed on the altar table. It depicts twelve scenes of the Passion of the Lord – events related to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In total, it presents several dozen human figures and angel heads with wings. They are placed on a uniform background made of wood panels. The altarpiece is lavishly decorated with four columns, numerous ornaments of winding vine branches with bunches of fruit and flowers. It consists of three tiers, separated by decorative cornices that are horizontal projecting elements. The middle, largest level is the widest. The lowest tier is slightly narrower. The third one, or finial, narrows upwards. The entire altarpiece is gilded. In some places, the gilt has been rubbed off. Part of the surface shows signs of destruction. The altarpiece stands on a pedestal in the form of an altar table.
In the lowest tier, the so-called predella, there is a bas-relief depicting the scene of the Last Supper. Around the table sit the twelve apostles and Jesus. To the right and left of the scene are two heads of angels on each side. Two of them are winged. The wings grow out directly of the temples. The middle tier of the altarpiece, the so-called main body, contains seven scenes of the Passion and a sculpture of a Jewish woman with children.
These figures and the scene of Christ being handed over by Pilate are located in the centre. They are placed in an arched niche with a shelf. Under the shelf stands a woman in a long gown with children reaching up to her waist. The shelf holds the figures of Pilate and Christ. Pilate wears a hat, a long beard, and long flowing robes. Jesus has a crown of thorns, long hair, and a short beard. He wears a thick chain around his neck. The large cloak reveals a bare chest, as well as tied hands and feet. On both sides of the niche are two columns. Between them are three elliptical niches with the remaining scenes: Jesus in the Garden of Olives, the Arrest of Jesus, the Flagellation, the Crowning with Thorns, Jesus Carrying the Cross, and the Division of Robes. The main body is decorated with six winged angel heads.
The finial contains four scenes. The largest, situated in the centre, is the Crucifixion. Christ hangs on the cross, nailed to it. Under the cross stand the Virgin and Saint John. On each side of the bas-relief, there is one decorative column. On their sides, elliptical medallions in a richly carved frame with the scene of the Descent from the Cross and the Entombment. At the very top of the finial, above the scene of the Crucifixion – the Resurrection framed by a medallion.