Tabernacle-altarpieces: Variety within Unity

Abstract

Altarpieces are among the most outstanding and celebrated achievements of medieval art. They were the fruits of the joint efforts, skills and ambitions of artists and patrons. Often combining different media, they reflected a great deal of the faith, ideals, hopes, anxieties and devotions of Christian communities. Altarpieces were erected in churches of all ranks, from cathedrals and monumental abbeys down to modest country churches. Over the ages, medieval altarpieces continuously grew larger and more magnificent. They became symbols of the identity and pride of communities and individuals, for whom they sometimes even became the object of emulation.