PALA

PALA. — Commonly confused with *ancora* (q.v.), a term better suited to denote compositions in carved wood or glazed terracotta, the term *P.* is used to define a large altarpiece enclosed within a framework (notable is the *Pala d’Oro* in S. Marco, Venice, a marvelous work of Byzantine goldsmithing). The framework often rests upon a predella (q.v.) and is crowned at the top by a lunette (q.v.; see also DOSSALE; RETABLO).