Santa Maria del Priorato, Rome, Alternative Design for the High Altar

Description: vertical format; made for a prelate connected with the Maltese order, and having a coat of arms - Priors of Malta (E. Kieven, 3/10/93) at top (framed by garlands in front of shell); in front of lateral panels of mensa and in the coach; the sepulchrum has the shape of a sar-cophagus, with a monogram of crossed P; the tabernacle is in middle of central part of altar; it serves as a base for standing angel, at left, and kneeling angel, at right; both have clouds beneath their feet; angels support the oval image of the Virgin in clouds, with St. John the Baptist and a saint bishop; on top of frame are two putti; walls of apse are decorated with pillars and embedded Ionic style and fluted columns; at right is a priest and a gentleman; two ink framing lines. (RB '45)