A decorative structure or image ensemble rising behind an altar, especially in medieval and early modern churches; often carved, painted, gilded, and divided into panels or niches.
A retable is a structure rising behind an altar, often carrying painted or sculpted imagery. Medieval and Renaissance retables may contain architectural frames, niches, saints, narrative scenes, gilding, tracery, and a predella.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin retrotabulum, “rear table,” through French retable.
Sculptor Notes
The retable is essentially an architectural field for sculpture. The carver must organize vertical hierarchy, bay rhythm, figure scale, projecting moldings, and the relationship between deep niches and shallow narrative relief.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/473801; https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/475525