The Reininghaus Altarpiece

Undoubtedly of Bohemian origin (even though its provenance is unknown), this altarpiece comes from the same workshop as the Altarpiece from Zátoň (Inv. Nos. O 8686-8688). The central panel accentuates the Eucharistic theme: a penitent Magdalene catches the stream of Christ’s blood in her hands, while fixing her gaze on the Virgin. Great emphasis is also placed on the relics of the passion, which became especially popular at the end of the 14th century. The iconography of the wings focuses solely on female saints. The underdrawing on the Reininghaus Altarpiece is the same as that on the Altarpiece from Zátoň. The painting generally follows the underdrawing without significant changes to the composition. The eyes are indicated with a U-shape and the nose with two parallel lines.