Altars by Franz Anton Straub in Northern Croatia – Genesis of Motifs, Influences, Reception

Sa？etak The paper discusses all altars in northern Croatia heretofore associated with the activity of sculptor and woodcarver Franz Anton Straub and his workshop, which are analysed in relation to the presence of innovative elements which determined altar production in 17th- and 18th-century Central Europe. Their contextualization has revealed the models they followed, mediated through the influence of post-Tridentine treatises, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and theatre designs, as well as affinities with the works of other brothers of the Straub family and reflections in artwork produced by Straub’s followers in Croatia. Special attention is given to the genesis of motifs, especially the motif of the curtain which is nterpreted in relation to its origin and meaning. Analysis of archival ocuments and results of conservation-restoration campaigns have led to corrections of previously established chronology and proposals of new attributions