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The Martyrdom of Paul
Gerhard Gröninger (design and sculptural work, painted finish of the reliefs)
1619–1622
Hardwood, painted
Münster, St.-Paulus-Dom, Inv.-Nr. Do.Al.2
Inscription near the central officer: SPQR [Senatus Populusque Romanus]
(The Senate and People of the City of Rome)
Inscription near the speaking head of Paul: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
The counterpart to the left altar wing on the ground floor depicts the martyrdom of Paul outside Rome's city walls. The composition is focused on the main scene below: the beheaded Paul is surrounded by soldiers who react differently to the event. Trotting horses and additional soldiers mill about in the background, creating a strong sense of dynamism.
In 1619, the Münster-based artist Gerhard Gröninger was commissioned by the Chapter of St. Paul’s Cathedral to create the overall design for the high altar. Numerous other craftsmen assisted him with carpentry and woodturning. Initially, the intention was to secure Peter Paul Rubens for the painted panels; however, as his quote was too high, the commission went to the Amsterdam-based painter Adriaen van den Bogart. During the Second World War, the altar wings were safely placed in storage. The altar has been located in the west choir since 1957.
The altar wings consist of monumental, polychrome wood carvings in relief. The relief’s gilding harmonizes with the ornamentation of the frame, alluding to the great treasure that was once permanently concealed behind the altar wings. Indeed, the altar was originally designed to house parts of the reliquary collection and the cathedral treasury of St. Paul’s. The central section of the altar (the retable) is made of black and dark red marble. This color scheme, chosen by Gröninger, creates an impressive contrast against the cathedral’s light-colored sandstone and the gleaming reliquaries.
