A ledge or shelf behind an altar for holding vases or candles is called what?

A ledge or shelf behind an altar for holding vases or candles is called what?

• A. Retablo
• B. Reredos
• C. Dais
• D. Niche

Answer: (A)

In church architecture, the space right behind the altar—the decorated backdrop that forms the backdrop for liturgical display—is described by a term that captures both its artistic and functional role. A retablo refers to that back panel or altarpiece behind the altar, the decorated surface that often carries statues, paintings, and sometimes a shelf or ledge for candles and vases. This makes it the best fit for describing a ledge or shelf placed on or as part of that backdrop. The other terms point to different elements: a dais is the raised platform the altar sits on; a niche is a recess in the wall for a statue; and reredos refers more narrowly to the architectural screen or behind-the-altar screen itself, though in practice retablo can be used to emphasize the artistic, panel-like backdrop behind the altar.

In church architecture, the space right behind the altar—the decorated backdrop that forms the backdrop for liturgical display—is described by a term that captures both its artistic and functional role. A retablo refers to that back panel or altarpiece behind the altar, the decorated surface that often carries statues, paintings, and sometimes a shelf or ledge for candles and vases. This makes it the best fit for describing a ledge or shelf placed on or as part of that backdrop. The other terms point to different elements: a dais is the raised platform the altar sits on; a niche is a recess in the wall for a statue; and reredos refers more narrowly to the architectural screen or behind-the-altar screen itself, though in practice retablo can be used to emphasize the artistic, panel-like backdrop behind the altar.