The Glory Altarpiece

The Reredos

Description

The "Glory" altarpiece at St. Paul's Chapel was designed by Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant. Completed in the late 18th century, the Neo-Baroque wooden sculpture over the altar depicts God's glory on Mount Sinai.

The design, executed by a woodcarver, represents God’s glory on Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, from Exodus 24. It features clouds, lightning bolts, the Hebrew word for "God" inside a triangle, and the two tablets holding the Ten Commandments.

Installed, 1787

Factoids

Pulpit and Altar Rail: No direct evidence, but probably original. It’s often cited that the Prince of Wales feathers are atop the pulpit, but there are six feathers here, not three, making it unlikely.

Pulpit and Altar Rail: No direct evidence, but probably original. The wooden pulpit features a canopy topped by a coronet with six carved feathers. It’s often cited that the Prince of Wales feathers are atop the pulpit, but there are six feathers here, not three (like the actual coronet), making it unlikely.

Related Sites

Montgomery Monument-The Altar piece was created to fill and accent the altar window space after a monument to General Richard Montgomery cast an awkward shadow as seen from the nave.

Images

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Images

7 ImagesShow less

Interior facing the back of the Chapel and the Montgomery Monument

Looking towards Broadway

When the monument arrived, it proved too large for the front of St Paul's. L'Enfant was commissioned to redesign the facade.

Detail of the window

Glory Alterpiece - Detail of the memorial from the interior of the Church

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