Retable: meaning, definitions and examples
⛪
retable
[ ˈrɛtəbl ]
furniture type
A retable is a type of altar table that is often found in churches and cathedrals. It typically serves as a decorative piece that holds religious artifacts, such as candles, icons, or the Eucharist. The term can also refer to the ornamental structure behind and above the altar. Retables can vary widely in size and complexity, from simple wooden tables to intricate stone structures adorned with various religious themes and figures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The retable behind the altar was beautifully carved.
- In the church, the retable featured detailed scenes from the Bible.
- The priest arranged the flowers on the retable for the service.
Translations
Translations of the word "retable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 retável
🇮🇳 पुनः टेबल
🇩🇪 wiederverwendbar
🇮🇩 dapat dipasang kembali
🇺🇦 повторно встановлюваний
🇵🇱 powtarzalny
🇯🇵 再テーブル
🇫🇷 réutilisable
🇪🇸 reutilizable
🇹🇷 yeniden kurulum
🇰🇷 재설정 가능한
🇸🇦 قابل لإعادة التثبيت
🇨🇿 znovu použitelné
🇸🇰 znovu použiteľný
🇨🇳 可重用的
🇸🇮 ponovno uporabna
🇮🇸 aftur hægt
🇰🇿 қайта пайдалануға болатын
🇬🇪 მეორედ გამოყენებადი
🇦🇿 təkrar istifadə oluna bilən
🇲🇽 reutilizable
Etymology
The word 'retable' originates from the Old French word 'retable', which means 'to place back'. This term itself comes from the Latin word 'retabulum', meaning ‘a table placed behind’. The use of retables has been recorded since the early medieval period in Europe, as they became inextricably linked to the ecclesiastical architecture of Christianity. Over the centuries, their design evolved to include elaborate carvings and paintings reflecting the religious beliefs and artistic trends of their time. During the Renaissance, retables became particularly grand, often serving as focal points in the layout of a church. By the Baroque period, they took on even more complexity with the integration of sculpture and gold leaf, becoming not only functional pieces but also masterpieces of art. Retables continue to be significant in religious architecture, serving both aesthetic and liturgical purposes.