What is this called?

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

This picture is of the altar at the monastery of the Holy Cross in my city (where St. Anthony lived as an Augustinian). What I’d like to know is what exactly is that zigurat-esque thing above the tabernacle? I see it on almost all the baroque altars, yet I have no clue what it is called nor what it represents.

 

[Callixtus]

You mean this, right? pbase.com/diasdosreis/image/34001111

It’s hard to tell from this photo, since it’s at an angle and not very close up.

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

You mean this, right? pbase.com/diasdosreis/image/34001111

It’s hard to tell from this photo, since it’s at an angle and not very close up.

Yes, that’s it. The thing I’m talking about has 12 candles, 6 on each side, 2 on each “step”; it reminds me of a zigurat.

 

[somervia]

It’s called a Tenebrae I think. Used in the Matins and Lauds of the last three days of holy week.

sistersofcarmel.com/tenebrae.php

 

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

It’s called a Tenebrae I think. Used in the Matins and Lauds of the last three days of holy week.

sistersofcarmel.com/tenebrae.php

I don’t think that’s it. This is a permanent part of the altar, and I’ve never even seen the candles lit.

 

[I_Believe]

I think it may have something to do with angels. Just guessing.

 

[Madaglan]

Retable.

The design is Baroque.

It looks like there is a reliquary at the apex, perhaps containing a relic of Our Lady.

 

[Cluny]

A Tenebrae hearse (as it’s called) has 15 candles, not 12.

 

[Rawb]

Maybe it corresponds in some way to the steps to the priesthood? Tonsure, Porter, Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte, Subdeacon, Deacon, Priest? These were often depicted in a ‘steps’ formation, like this:

veritasvosliberat.com/uploads/holy_orders_steps-400x291.jpg

perhaps containing a relic of Our Lady.

There’s no such thing, as far as I’ve ever heard.

 

[Miserissima]

To me, it looks like the set up for the altar of the Ark of the Covenant in Solomon’s temple.

 

[AJV]

A frontal picture would help, but I’m guessing that’s the Exposition throne for the monstrance. Exposition thrones are called thabors, though the term usually refers to smaller, more portable thrones.

Alternatively, it might just be the pedestal for a statue, though that doesn’t seem to be the case.

 

[Madaglan]

… maybe Dan Brown would know.

 

[I_Believe]

Email the photographer. He may know what it is.
Photo.DiasDosReis@gmail.com