The article presents technical and iconographical problems concerning a late 15th-century North German shrine consisting of 12 polychromed reliefs depicting the legend of St. Ursula. According to prevailing opinion, the single reliefs must have been incorrectly mounted in the shrine at a later date, since the legend is now illegible from any starting point. Evidence brought to light during the restoration, however, proved that all of the reliefs are in their original position in the present shrine. The possibility is discussed whether the altarpiece originally had a different shape and function and comprised more than the existing 12 reliefs. -- AATA