Carved and painted wooden altarpiece depicting biblical scenes. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Carved and painted wooden panel depicting religious scenes, with richly sculpted architecture. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Carved and painted wooden panel depicting a historical scene. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Carved and painted wooden panel depicting the Last Supper. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Detail of a carved and painted wooden panel depicting Christ in a loincloth bearing the stigmata. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Detail of a carved and painted wooden altarpiece: leaning figures in a balustrade architectural setting. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Detail of a carved and painted wooden altarpiece depicting a historical scene. Front view.

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament, Cl. 240 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Altarpiece of the Holy Sacrament

Description

On display - room 21

1514

Late Middle Ages

This altarpiece from the early 16th century (1514), made in Flanders, was positioned on the altar of the Holy Sacrament of Averbode during Easter.

The complex and evolving tradition of Brabantine sculpture reaches its peak in this example: the finesse of how the "microarchitecture" of the church has been crafted is very impressive. 

The imposing altarpiece also has the Antwerp woodworkers’ guarantee of quality on its right-hand side: the punch mark with two hands. It presents a staged scene in three acts that depicts the Eucharist, a theme that was not often seen during this period and which heralded the Reformation.

The central panel depicts a mass celebrated by Saint Gregory, seen from behind, as he sees the appearance of Christ. In the left panel, the Lamb of God lies on the table of the Last Supper. The one on the right depicts the blessing of Abraham.

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century