In altarpieces, pinnacles are the ornamental tops that imitate the lacelike spires of Gothic structures. In sculpted altarpieces, such as Michael Pacher's Altarpiece of St. Wolfgang (1471-1481; Sankt-Wolfgang, Parish Church), the pinnacles serve to extend the space of the main scene and place it within a Gothic church setting. In painted examples, the pinnacles can be filled with imagery, as in Duccio's Maestà Altarpiece (1308-1311; Siena, Museo dell' Opera del Duomo), where scenes from the life of the Virgin are depicted, and Piero della Francesca's Misericordia Altarpiece (beg. 1445; San Sepolcro, Museo Civico), where the Virgin Annunciate, the angel Gabriel, and saints are included.
Historical dictionary of Renaissance art. Lilian H. Zirpolo. 2008.