The oldest elements of the main altar were made in the 17th and 18th centuries. Baroque was the dominating artistic style then. It is characterised by the use of contrasts – in the works, things which were real were connected with illusions, passionate piety and ascesis with luxury and splendor. Artists used pathos and illusion to create works which dazzled by their grandour and affected different senses of the viewer. Theatralisation was the means which artists used and which is especially visible in the case of the altar. St. Nicholas in the central painting is standing as if on a stage framed by a gold curtain on the sides.
Beauty and richness of the paintings which is characteristic for the Baroque style resulted from the Counter-Reformation program. The senses of the person who prayed in church were subjected to mystical sensations through works of art created by an artist touched by “the divine spark”. The works expressed his experience, talent but also passionate piety.
The most amazing decorative element of the main altar are the borders. These are wooden, gilded decorations which imitate a draped fabric. They are held by small angels called puttos at the top and at the bottom. This kind of symbolism is an excellent example of theatralisation, a sort of imitation, a cover of truth which was so characteristic for the Baroque period.
