The Eggenberg Altarpiece

In the face of the unsettled times, it was only natural to look to Mary Help of Christians for protection. Thus, the Mother of God is also placed in the centre of the magnificent Eggenberg retable, which was donated by Balthasar prior to 1470. The 13 panels of the retable can still be seen today, while the altar structure was dismantled in the 18th century. The Virgin Mary is surrounded by angels with musical instruments and flanked by St. Fabian and St. Sebastian. Among the immediate entourage of the celestial queen were four exalted female martyrs: Dorothea, Margaret, Catherine and Barbara depicted next to the central panel. The twelve apostles take up the inner wings of the altar, whereas the outer sides show 12 of the "14 Holy Helpers", who were particularly popular in those days.

Winged altars were only opened on important church holidays in the Middle Ages. This also explains the enormous efforts taken to decorate the inside: The gold background and precious carved altar architecture is reflected in the magnificent garments of saints depicted. Compared to the other Styrian panels of the late gothic period, the Eggenberg altarpiece is unique in every respect, and thus proof of the family's significant position in society in the fifteenth century.