Paiting or relief on the back wall of an altar Also called pala, from Latin pallium (cloak), which refers to the ancient practice of hanging a drape behind the altar
A picture or sculpture that stands on or is set up behind an altar The term reredos is used for an ornamental screen or partition, not directly attached to the altar table but affixed to the wall behind it A diptych is an altarpiece consisting of two panels, a triptych one of three panels, and a polyptych one of four or more panels From the 14th to 16th century, the altarpiece was one of the most important commissions in European art; it was through the altarpiece that some of the most decisive developments in painting and sculpture came about
An altarpiece is a work of art behind the altar in a church. a painting or sculpture behind an altar. Painting, relief, sculpture, screen, or decorated wall standing on or behind an altar in a Christian church. The images depict holy personages, saints, and biblical subjects. There are two types of altarpieces: the reredos, which rises from the floor behind the altar, and the retable, which stands on the altar itself or on a pedestal behind it. The diptych is an altarpiece consisting of two panels; a triptych, three panels; and a polyptych, four or more panels. Altarpieces vary in size; some are small and portable, some are huge and stationary, and some have movable wings that can be opened and closed. The practice of erecting sculptural altarpieces dates from the 11th century; altar paintings became common in the 14th century