Kefermarkt Altarpiece

The Kefermarkt Altarpiece stands in the parish church of Kefermarkt in Upper Austria. It is a richly decorated wooden altarpiece in the Late Gothic style. The church was built between 1470 and 1476 under Christoph von Zelking. The altarpiece was commissioned by him and completed around 1497. It depicts saints Peter, Wolfgang and Christopher in the central section. The wing panels show scenes from the life of Mary. The altarpiece is one of the greatest achievements in late-medieval sculpture in the German-speaking area. Its maker is known only by the Notname Master of the Kefermarkt Altarpiece. At least two skilled sculptors created the main statuary. The work was altered over centuries, losing original paint and gilding. A major restoration in the 19th century was led by Adalbert Stifter. Visitors find a 13.8-metre-high altarpiece made of linden wood. The central section holds three statues of saints in niches. The wings show reliefs of Mary’s life, now fixed in place. Two side figures of Saints George and Florian stand on consoles. The superstructure is intricate, with Gothic sculptures added later. The church itself, finished by 1497, frames the altarpiece with its Gothic architecture.