The Altenberger Altar



(The Altenberger Altar, 1330 Rhenish Master)

This is an image, of what is known as the Altenberger Alter, created by Rhenish Master in the year 1330 which depicts Christ and the Virgin. As well as the life and death of Christ, and many other details. Referencing the Annunciation, Nativity, Death, and Coronation of the Virgin, (smarthistory.org) painted on the right side of these two sets of wings. While the left side depicts the visitation of the magi, along with the two patron saints Michael and Elizabeth. Whereas the outside of these wings describes the story of the Passion, on this 4.3 meters wide altar. 

Looking at this altar straight on, one of the first things I noticed was the beautiful stone carving in the center of this piece. Joined together with great detail, showing the Virgin holding Christ, sitting on a chair surrounded by arches. Which seen to made out of metal; while the panels of paintings, on the wings, also drew my attention because of their vibrant red colors enclosing them. Giving these images the important attention they deserve. 

When the altar has closed, the figures in the center are covered by the wings, and the closed wings depict the Passion. Although the first-time people were able to view the altar was during an exhibition called "Heaven on Display" in the 19th century. It's interesting to think that something so old, and with so much detail was first viewed publicly in the 19th century. While looking at the altar through a photo this is really something cool to look at. I can only imagine seeing this in real life, and how amazing it could be to see this, and feel the presence of something so admiring; due to the amount of detail placed into this 13th-century-old piece of artwork. That was created close to the end of the crusades.





Dr. Donna L. Sadler, "The Medieval and Renaissance Altarpiece," in Smarthistory, January 27, 2020, accessed October 2, 2020, https://smarthistory.org/altarpiece-medieval-renaissance/. 


"Altenberger Altar." Stadel Museum. Accessed October 3, 2020. https://www.staedelmuseum.de/en/exhibitions/altenberger-altar/.


Comments

  1. Xaiyne Calma-ViloriaOctober 4, 2020 at 10:47 PM

    This piece, “The Altenberger Altar,” is so physiologically diverse. It incorporates both a two dimensional as well as a three dimensional aspect to emphasize its message. It doesn’t look like too much is going on, either. Each section of the side panels are so articulate, but it resonates with the center focus.

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