Home altar in the shape of a triptych

Material, technology: ebony, with silver-gilt mounts, h.: 74.5 cm

Description: A triptych-like ebony edifice on a tall base with ornate top, richly adorned with metal mountings on the outside. Pictures painted on copper were placed in the wooden frame. With wings open: the Adoration of the shepherds in the middle, the Circumcision above it, and the Presentation in the temple on top. Inside of wings: figures of King David and the prophet Isaiah. The small but brillintly coloured paintings were based on engravings. The altarpiece is dated to the early 17th century, and is close to the works of Matthias Waldbaum of Augsburg. Waldbaum was a popular goldsmith who chiefly produced ecclesiastic works.