Altarpiece of Saint Barbara, central panel

In the mid-15th century an exceptional work of art appeared in Silesia – the Altarpiece of Saint Barbara. This altarpiece adorned the main altar of St Barbara’s Church in Wrocław [Vrotz-wahv]. In the centre we see three statuesque figures, they are St Barbara and Saints Felix and Adauctus. The attribute of St Barbara is a tower, in which, according to legend, she was imprisoned by her godless father. The depiction of her life and martyrdom alongside scenes from the life and suffering of Christ, is an example of the practice known as imitatio Christi.