Masterpieces

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal altar frontal depicting five haloed figures under arcades. Front view

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal: two men under arcades with halos inlaid with stones. Front view.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal: Christ blessing a king and queen kneeling and kissing His feet. Front view.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal: two men under arcades with halos inlaid with stones. Front view.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal depicting a bust of a man with a halo inlaid with gemstones. Front view.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal depicting an angel in profile with a halo inlaid with gemstones. Front photograph.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Gilded, chased, and repousse metal depicting an angel in profile with a halo inlaid with gemstones. Front photograph.

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Altar frontal from Basel cathedral

Description

On display - room 2

11th century

Early Middle Ages

This altar frontal, an exceptional imperial gift for Basel cathedral inspired by antiquity and Byzantium, dates from the 1st half of the 11th century.

The opulence of the gold, both a precious material and a symbol of light in the Middle Ages, crafted using the “repoussé” technique in bas-relief, glorifies the Christ surrounded by archangels and St Benedict. The Virtues are depicted as busts within medallions.

The German Emperor Henry II (or Henry III), the donor, and his wife are shown prostrated at the feet of Christ, signifying their personal devotion.

From the treasury of Basel cathedral.

Acquired in 1854.

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