Predela, 19th century

Predella with the image of Saint John of Nepomuk, early 19th century.
Carved, polychromed and gilded wood.
Measurements: 111 x 169,5 x 11 cm.
The present predella, made of carved, polychromed and gilded wood in white, has an image of Saint John of Nepomuk in its centre, framed by shaft-shaped pilasters and candelier-inspired soffits. A saint of Czech origin, he acquired great devotion and popularity from the 17th century onwards. John of Nepomuk (ca. 1340-1393) is the patron saint of Bohemia and of the Spanish Marines. Supposedly the confessor of Sophia of Bavaria, he incurred the wrath of King Wenceslas IV by refusing to break the secret of confession, for which he was thrown into the Vltava River from the Charles Bridge in Prague. He is depicted centred in the composition, surrounded by little angels who give the work a dynamic character.