Altar Cloth, c. 1350. Creator: Unknown

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Altar Cloth, c. 1350. Creator: Unknown

Altar Cloth, c. 1350. This large embroidered altar cloth is one of the rarest, most important medieval church furnishings in existence. It was stitched by nuns in the Premonstratensian Convent in Altenberg on the Lahn, near Trier, and was used to cover the churchs high altar in the weeks leading up to Easter. The cloth is an example of linen embroidery, a specialty of German nuns in the later Middle Ages. Since both the ground and pattern are white, a technique known as " white-on-white, " the effect of this type of embroidery depends on the variety and skilled manipulation of the stitches used. The nuns at Altenberg may have had an additional reason for creating this white-on-white embroidery: they were known as " white canons" because of the colour of their habits. The Premonstratensians followed the Rule of Saint Augustine, but with supplementary statutes that made their life one of great austerity. The sustaining focus of their community was common prayer and celebration of the Eucharist. The overall design of this altar cloth, befitting its function, concerns the redemption of the world through the death and resurrection of Christ. Figures are displayed within quatrefoils, or four-lobed, frames. The largest quatrefoil, in the center, represents Christs crucifixion flanked by the Virgin and Saint John. It bears the inscription " Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us."

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Media ID 19648799

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Embroidery

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Arts > Artists > M > Mercier Mercier

> Arts > Artists > W > John White

> Arts > Still life artwork > Textile fabric artworks

> Europe > Germany > Heritage Sites > Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cleveland

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an extraordinary piece of medieval artistry - the Altar Cloth, created around 1350 by an unknown artist. Hailing from the Premonstratensian Convent in Altenberg on the Lahn, near Trier, this embroidered cloth holds immense historical and religious significance. Serving as a cover for the high altar during the weeks leading up to Easter, it is considered one of the rarest and most important church furnishings from that era. The craftsmanship exhibited in this linen embroidery is truly remarkable. Employing a technique known as "white-on-white" both the ground and pattern are white, relying solely on skillful manipulation of stitches to create visual impact. The nuns at Altenberg were renowned for their expertise in this specialty, which may have been influenced by their own identity as "white canons" due to their habit color. The overall design of this altar cloth revolves around Christ's redemptive sacrifice through his crucifixion and resurrection. Enclosed within quatrefoils frames, figures such as Christ himself alongside the Virgin Mary and Saint John are depicted with great attention to detail. The central quatrefoil bears an inscription that reads "Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us" emphasizing its profound spiritual message. Preserved through time with utmost care, this magnificent relic serves not only as a testament to artistic mastery but also offers insight into medieval religious practices and devotion. Its presence evokes awe and reverence while reminding us of our shared heritage rooted in faith.

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