Staging the Liturgy: The Medieval Altarpiece in the Iberian Peninsula. By JUSTIN E. A. KROESEN.

A comprehensive analysis reveals the profound influence of cultural exchanges along pilgrimage and trade routes on medieval altarpiece design in the Iberian Peninsula. The study demonstrates how French, Italian, and Northern European artistic styles infiltrated Spain, shaping both form and style of retables, including the introduction of predellas and hinged winged altarpieces. Additionally, it highlights the coexistence of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures during the early Middle Ages, which facilitated these exchanges. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating art history, liturgy, geography, and religion to examine the development, accessibility, and use of retables in both liturgical and private contexts. Notable sites such as Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, and Toledo serve as key examples, illustrating the dynamic interplay between local traditions and foreign influences.

de Leeuw, E. (2010). Staging the Liturgy: The Medieval Altarpiece in the Iberian Peninsula. By JUSTIN E. A. KROESEN. The Journal of Theological Studies, 61(2), 839–841. https://doi.org/10.1093/jts/flq096