Artwork Page for Altar Frontal: Scenes from the Childhood of Christ

Details / Information for Altar Frontal: Scenes from the Childhood of Christ

Altar Frontal: Scenes from the Childhood of Christ

c. 1500

France and South Netherlands, 1500s

Medium
Wool, silk, gold thread; tapestry weave
Measurements
Overall: 107.3 x 240 cm (42 1/4 x 94 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of John L. Severance 1942.826
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Pictorial tapestries were symbols of wealth and more highly prized than paintings. Small tapestries with Christian imagery were frequently commissioned to embellish the fronts of altars. This example displays the Massacre of the Innocents, the Flight into Egypt, and Christ among the Doctors.

Tapestry weave is ideal for creating narrative scenes. The technique can be compared to painting, as each colored weft (horizontal thread) is interlaced with warps (vertical thread) where needed for the pattern. As expensive investments, tapestries have the advantage of being portable and easily stored and displayed.
A horizontally oriented tapestry with faded blue, red, and gold tones depicts three scenes divided by columns. On the left, soldiers in armor raise swords toward people with light skin tones clutching infants. In the center, a woman in blue garments sits on a donkey, holding a child as a bearded man follows. On the right, figures in layered robes surround a small child seated in a stone interior. Small flowers carpet the foreground.

Altar Frontal: Scenes from the Childhood of Christ

c. 1500

France and South Netherlands, 1500s

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork