High altar

Abstract

The altar of St. Martin is the third high altar at the church in Krempechy. The previous ones were dedicated to St. Servatius, the former patron of the temple. The altar was made in Rococo style in the second half of the 18th century. Decorative elements of the reredos: flame vases, rooster combs and rocaille ornaments are characteristic for the art of this period, while a typical feature of Spiš art is the domination of sculpture and ornamental decoration over painting. The ideological programme of this reredos is closely connected with the church's invocation. There is a painting of St. Martin, the patron of the temple, at the high altar. Statues of apostles - St. Peter, St. Paul, St. John and St. Andrew (perhaps the previous ones represented the same saints) - are re-mounted on the sides. The altar final includes the re-placed statue of Risen Christ depicting the Saviour triumphant who rose from the grave. Particular attention should be paid to the unusual statues of angels, whose gestures and facial expressions are highly expressive and theatrical. The sculptures at the altar do not form a homogeneous ensemble. Most of them are from the 20s of the 20th century. Only the statues of angels and the altar structure were made in the second half of the 18th century.