Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
A retable is exclusively defined as a simple shelf designed to hold candles behind an altar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The complexity of a retable varies significantly, ranging from a simple shelf to a much larger and highly elaborate structure, and it is defined more broadly as a structure or element positioned on or behind an altar.
When a retable incorporates sculptures or paintings, it is often referred to as an altarpiece.
Answer: True
Explanation: A retable is designated as an altarpiece when it is embellished with artistic elements such as sculptures, paintings, or mosaics, thereby enhancing its aesthetic and narrative importance.
The Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus Online defines a reredos as smaller than a retable, standing directly on the back of the altar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus Online specifies that a reredos typically rises from the ground level, making it generally taller, while a retable is smaller, standing on the altar or a pedestal.
It is uncommon for altars to feature both a reredos and a retable simultaneously.
Answer: False
Explanation: Many altars are specifically designed to incorporate both a reredos and a retable, demonstrating that their simultaneous presence is not uncommon.
A dossal is a term that can refer to an altarpiece painting attached to the back of an altar or a cloth hanging on the wall behind it.
Answer: True
Explanation: A dossal can refer to an altarpiece painting rising at the back of the altar or a cloth hanging on the wall directly behind the altar, indicating its dual application.
A retable cannot be considered a piece of church furniture or a fixture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Given its description as a structure or element placed on or behind an altar, a retable is indeed considered a type of church furniture or fixture.
The term 'altarpiece' signifies a retable that has been enhanced with artistic elements like sculptures or paintings.
Answer: True
Explanation: An altarpiece is specifically a retable that has been embellished with artistic components such as sculptures, paintings, or mosaics, thereby elevating its aesthetic and narrative significance.
A reredos is typically positioned on the altar itself or on a pedestal directly behind it, implying a relatively lower height.
Answer: False
Explanation: A reredos typically rises from the ground level behind the altar, suggesting a taller, more expansive structure, whereas a retable is positioned lower, on the altar or a pedestal.
To become an altarpiece, a retable can incorporate only paintings, not sculptures or mosaics.
Answer: False
Explanation: An altarpiece can incorporate various art forms, including sculptures, carved works, paintings, or mosaics, not exclusively paintings.
A retable is fundamentally defined as a structure positioned either directly on or immediately behind and above the altar or communion table.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fundamental definition of a retable describes it as a structure or element placed directly on or immediately behind and above the altar or communion table, serving as a significant liturgical furnishing.
The term 'dossal' exclusively refers to a cloth hanging on the wall behind the altar.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'dossal' can refer to both an altarpiece painting rising at the back of the altar or a cloth hanging on the wall behind it, thus not exclusively to a cloth hanging.
What is the fundamental definition of a retable in a church setting?
Answer: A structure or element positioned either directly on or immediately behind and above the altar or communion table.
Explanation: The fundamental definition of a retable is a structure or element placed directly on or immediately behind and above the altar or communion table, serving as a significant liturgical furnishing.
What characteristic transforms a retable into an altarpiece?
Answer: Its incorporation of sculptures or paintings as part of its design.
Explanation: A retable is transformed into an altarpiece when it integrates artistic elements such as sculptures, paintings, or mosaics into its design, thereby enhancing its aesthetic and narrative value.
According to the Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus Online, how does a retable primarily differ from a reredos?
Answer: A retable is smaller, standing on the altar or a pedestal, while a reredos rises from the ground level.
Explanation: The Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus Online distinguishes a retable as smaller and placed on the altar or a pedestal, while a reredos is typically a larger structure rising from the ground level behind the altar.
What is a 'dossal' in relation to altars?
Answer: An altarpiece painting rising at the back of the altar or a cloth hanging on the wall behind it.
Explanation: A dossal refers to either an altarpiece painting that rises at the back of the altar or a cloth hanging positioned on the wall directly behind the altar.
Which of the following art forms can be incorporated into a retable to make it an altarpiece?
Answer: Sculptures, carved works, paintings, or mosaics.
Explanation: To be considered an altarpiece, a retable can incorporate a variety of art forms, including sculptures, carved works in wood or stone, paintings, or mosaics.
How does the placement of a retable differ from a reredos in terms of height?
Answer: A retable is positioned on the altar or a pedestal (lower), while a reredos rises from the ground level (taller).
Explanation: In terms of height, a retable is typically positioned lower, on the altar or a pedestal, whereas a reredos is a taller structure that rises from the ground level behind the altar.
What is the range of complexity for a retable?
Answer: From a very simple shelf to a much larger and highly elaborate structure.
Explanation: The complexity of a retable can range widely, from a basic shelf designed to hold candles to a substantial and intricately elaborate structure that serves as a central artistic and liturgical element.
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between a retable and a reredos?
Answer: Many altars are designed to include both a reredos and a retable.
Explanation: While distinct in definition and placement, many altars are designed to feature both a reredos and a retable, demonstrating their complementary roles in church architecture.
Can a retable be considered a piece of furniture?
Answer: Yes, given its description as a structure or element that can be a simple shelf or elaborate structure.
Explanation: A retable can be considered a piece of church furniture or a fixture, as it is described as a structure or element that can range from a simple shelf to an elaborate architectural feature.
The Medieval Latin term 'retrotabulum' originally referred to a movable altar cross.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Medieval Latin term 'retrotabulum' originally referred to an architectural feature, specifically a screen framing a picture or carved work at the back of an altar, not a movable altar cross.
The Pala d'Oro in St Mark's Basilica is an example of a 'retrotabulum' that was a movable feature.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Pala d'Oro in St Mark's Basilica is cited as a historical example of a 'retrotabulum' that functioned as a movable, elaborate screen made of precious materials.
Historically, retrotabula were exclusively constructed from wood and stone.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, retrotabula were constructed from a diverse range of materials, including wood, stone, mosaics, gold, jewels, and enamels, not exclusively wood and stone.
The word 'retable' is derived from a Medieval Latin term meaning 'in front of the table'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The word 'retable' originates from the Medieval Latin 'retrotabulum', which literally translates to 'behind the table', referring to its placement behind the altar.
What was the original meaning of the Medieval Latin term 'retrotabulum'?
Answer: A screen framing a picture or carved work at the back of an altar.
Explanation: The Medieval Latin term 'retrotabulum' originally referred to an architectural feature at the back of an altar, typically a screen framing a picture, carved work, or mosaic.
The Pala d'Oro in St Mark's Basilica is cited as an example of what?
Answer: A movable feature considered a 'retrotabulum'.
Explanation: The Pala d'Oro in St Mark's Basilica is presented as a notable example of a 'retrotabulum' that functioned as a movable, elaborate screen adorned with precious materials.
What is the etymological origin of the word 'retable'?
Answer: Medieval Latin 'retrotabulum', meaning 'behind the table'.
Explanation: The word 'retable' is etymologically derived from the Medieval Latin term 'retrotabulum', which translates to 'behind the table', signifying its placement relative to the altar.
What materials were historically used for retrotabula?
Answer: Wood, stone, mosaics, gold, jewels, and enamels.
Explanation: Historically, retrotabula were crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, mosaics, gold, jewels, and enamels, as exemplified by the Pala d'Oro.
Retables typically hold only the altar cross and no other liturgical items.
Answer: False
Explanation: Retables commonly hold various liturgical items, including the altar cross, candles, flowers, and other decorative or ceremonial objects, not exclusively the altar cross.
The primary function of a retable is to serve as a structural or decorative element placed directly on or immediately behind and above the altar.
Answer: True
Explanation: A retable's primary function is to act as a structural or decorative element, positioned directly on or immediately behind and above the altar, thereby enhancing its visual and liturgical presence.
The altar cross is commonly held by a retable, especially in Protestant churches.
Answer: True
Explanation: Retables frequently serve to hold the altar cross, a practice particularly prevalent in Protestant churches, alongside other liturgical and decorative items.
Which of the following items might a retable typically hold?
Answer: The altar cross, candles, flowers, and other decorative objects.
Explanation: Retables are commonly used to hold various liturgical and decorative items, including the altar cross, candles, flowers, and other ceremonial objects, particularly in Protestant churches.
In which specific religious context is the altar cross commonly held by a retable?
Answer: Particularly in Protestant churches.
Explanation: The practice of a retable holding the altar cross is particularly common in Protestant churches, where it serves as a central symbol of faith and focus for worship.
What is the primary function of a retable in relation to the altar?
Answer: To serve as a structural or decorative element enhancing the altar's presence.
Explanation: The primary function of a retable is to serve as a structural or decorative element positioned directly on or immediately behind and above the altar, thereby enhancing its visual prominence and liturgical significance.
The confusion between 'retable' and 'reredos' is primarily due to their identical usage across all foreign languages.
Answer: False
Explanation: The confusion between 'retable' and 'reredos' is exacerbated by differing usages in foreign languages, where 'retable' often equates to 'reredos' or 'altarpiece' in English, rather than identical usage.
In French, the word 'retable' typically equates to the English terms 'reredos' or 'altarpiece'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Foreign language usage, particularly in French, often employs 'retable' to refer to what in English would be termed a 'reredos' or 'altarpiece', contributing to terminological divergence.
The non-English use of 'retable' generally aligns perfectly with its English definition.
Answer: False
Explanation: The non-English use of 'retable' frequently diverges from its English definition, often referring to what in English would be more accurately called a reredos.
The Spanish cognate term 'retablo' exclusively refers to a two-dimensional painting in Mexican folk art.
Answer: False
Explanation: While 'retablo' in Mexican folk art refers to a two-dimensional painting, the Spanish cognate term 'retablo' also broadly refers to a reredos or retrotabulum, indicating it is not exclusively limited to folk art paintings.
In Mexican folk art, a 'bulto' is a two-dimensional framed painting of a saint.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Mexican folk art, a 'bulto' is specifically a three-dimensional statue of a saint or religious figure, contrasting with a 'retablo' which is a two-dimensional painting.
What is a common reason for the confusion between the terms 'retable' and 'reredos'?
Answer: Their distinction is not always maintained in common usage and differs in foreign languages.
Explanation: Confusion between 'retable' and 'reredos' often arises because their precise distinction is not consistently maintained in common usage and is further complicated by varying applications in foreign languages.
In the context of Mexican folk art, what does a 'retablo' specifically refer to?
Answer: Any two-dimensional depiction, typically a framed painting, of a saint or Christian religious figure.
Explanation: In Mexican folk art, a 'retablo' specifically denotes a two-dimensional framed painting of a saint or other Christian religious figure, distinct from three-dimensional 'bultos'.
How does the non-English use of 'retable' often differ from its English definition?
Answer: It often refers to what, in English, would be more accurately called a reredos.
Explanation: The non-English usage of 'retable' frequently diverges from its English counterpart, often encompassing structures that would be more precisely identified as reredoses in English terminology.
What is the Spanish cognate term for retable, and what does it refer to?
Answer: 'Retablo', referring to a reredos or retrotabulum.
Explanation: The Spanish cognate term for retable is 'retablo', which broadly refers to a reredos or retrotabulum, indicating a similar architectural or artistic element behind an altar.
What is a 'bulto' in the context of Mexican folk art?
Answer: A three-dimensional statue of a saint or other Christian religious figure.
Explanation: In Mexican folk art, a 'bulto' is defined as a three-dimensional statue of a saint or other Christian religious figure, in contrast to a two-dimensional 'retablo'.
Why does the French usage of 'retable' often lead to confusion in English?
Answer: Because in French, 'retable' typically equates to the English terms 'reredos' or 'altarpiece'.
Explanation: The French usage of 'retable' frequently causes confusion in English because it often corresponds to the English terms 'reredos' or 'altarpiece', highlighting a significant terminological divergence.
The addition of free-standing altars in modern times simplifies the distinction between altar structures.
Answer: False
Explanation: The modern practice of adding free-standing altars in front of older, integrated altars actually complicates, rather than simplifies, the distinction between various altar structures.
The modern evolution of altars includes adding free-standing altars to allow the celebrant to face the congregation.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant modern development in altar design involves the addition of free-standing altars, which facilitates the celebrant facing the congregation during services.
What modern development has complicated the distinction between various altar structures?
Answer: The frequent addition of free-standing altars in front of older, integrated altars.
Explanation: The modern practice of introducing free-standing altars in front of existing integrated altars has introduced complexities in distinguishing between various altar structures and their associated elements.
How has the function of the altar itself evolved in modern times, impacting associated structures?
Answer: Free-standing altars are frequently added to allow the celebrant to face the congregation.
Explanation: In modern times, the function of the altar has evolved with the frequent addition of free-standing altars, enabling the celebrant to face the congregation and influencing the arrangement of associated structures.
The image of St John's Church, Allerston, illustrates an elaborate, multi-tiered retable.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image from St John's Church, Allerston, specifically illustrates a simple shelf retable, not an elaborate, multi-tiered structure.
The Eglise Saint-Ayoul Provins construction is considered a reredos under a strict definition because it is a single, integrated construction.
Answer: False
Explanation: Under a strict definition, the Eglise Saint-Ayoul Provins construction is considered a retable, not a reredos, precisely because it is presented as a single, integrated construction.
The 'shortdescription' for the 'Retable' article provides a detailed historical account of its evolution.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'shortdescription' for the 'Retable' article is intended to provide a concise definition and quick summary, not a detailed historical account of its evolution.
The primary source cited for the definition of a retable is a contemporary art history journal.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary source cited for the definition and historical context of a retable is the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, not a contemporary art history journal.
Which church's image is used to illustrate a simple shelf retable in Yorkshire?
Answer: St John's Church, Allerston.
Explanation: The image illustrating a simple shelf retable in Yorkshire is from St John's Church, Allerston, providing a visual example of this basic form of altar furnishing.
The 17th-century French construction, Eglise Saint-Ayoul Provins retable maitre-autel, is clarified as what under a strict definition?
Answer: A retable, because it is presented as a single, integrated construction.
Explanation: Under a strict definition, the 17th-century French construction, Eglise Saint-Ayoul Provins retable maitre-autel, is clarified as a retable due to its presentation as a single, integrated construction.
What is the purpose of the 'shortdescription' provided for the 'Retable' article?
Answer: To concisely define it as a 'Structure or element placed on or behind an altar or communion table'.
Explanation: The 'shortdescription' for the 'Retable' article serves to provide a concise, summary definition of a retable as a 'Structure or element placed on or behind an altar or communion table'.
What is the purpose of the 'hatnote' at the beginning of the article on 'Retable'?
Answer: To distinguish the topic from 'devotional paintings' covered under 'Retablo'.
Explanation: The 'hatnote' at the beginning of the 'Retable' article serves to clarify the scope of the topic, distinguishing it from 'devotional paintings' that are discussed under the term 'Retablo'.
What is the primary source cited for the definition and historical context of a retable?
Answer: The 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.
Explanation: The primary source referenced for the definition and historical context of a retable is the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, specifically the article 'Retable' edited by Hugh Chisholm.