DOROTA SZYMCZAK, „THE SILVER ALTAR IN DARŁOWO” Publisher: Muzeum Pomorza Środkowego, Słupsk 2007

The discussed monograph (published in Polish and German) discusses an altar from the first half of the seventeenth century, originally featured in the castle chapel in Darłowo, in 1806 transferred to the local church of the Holy Virgin Mary, and today on display in the Museum of Central Pomerania in Słupsk. The altar was executed in ebony and decorated with 27 silver plaques depicting the Lord’s Passion, originating from outstanding German workshops from the early seventeenth century, and regarded as one of the most valuable examples of European modern silversmithery in Polish collections. At present, the monument is composed of an ebony casing, eight silver plaques, more than ten ornamental applications, a pair of wooden wings, painted on both sides, and alabaster figurines on the cornices. Dorota Szymczak presents assorted questions pertaining to the monument’s style, material, and conservation. She has devoted much attention to the iconography, in particular the interpretation of the scenes shown on the plaques, the recreation of their original sequences on the altar, and the authors – such renowned artists as Johann Körver of Brunswick as well as Christoph Lencker and Zacharaias Lencker of Augsburg. She also wrote about the methods of the execution and application of the plaques by basing herself on, i. a. contemporary studies. The publication examines the origin of the altar against a wide European backdrop and its transformations caused by former “repairs” and subsequent conservation. The merits of the publication consist of the use of all accessible sources, a thorough and in-depth approach to the discussed problems, an explanation of heretofore-controversial questions, and lavish illustrations totalling 177 archival and contemporary photographs as well as drawings, comparative tables and an extensive bibliography