The Laymen’s Altarpiece of Lübeck Cathedral

This is not in fact an altarpiece, but rather painted panels on the back wall of the choir bench. However, the two central panels can be opened in the manner of a winged altarpiece. Originally, this bench was located directly behind the rood screen and was connected to the laymen’s altar. The four panels on the front of the bench depicting St Clement, the Virgin Mary, St John the Baptist and St Agnes are weaker in execution and are considered the work of one of Notke’s assistants. St Nicholas and St Blaise on the back are painted more masterfully, which is why some researchers have attributed them to Bernt Notke himself. Parts of older fourteenth-century pews have been used as side supports for the bench.

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