Portable Altar

early 12th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This portable altar is one of ten brightly colored enamel examples that are thought to have been made in the same workshop in northern Germany. While the christological scenes depicted on the ten related works are similar, the decorative scheme on the lid of this portable altar is unique. It combines geometric figures with stylized floral and animal ornaments that recall early medieval motifs.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Portable Altar
Date: early 12th century
Culture: North German
Medium: Copper with gilding and champlevé enamels, mounted on a modern copper casket
Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/4 x 8 7/16 x 3 3/4 in. (9.5 x 21.5 x 9.5 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy
Credit Line: Dom-Museum Hildesheim (DS 21)
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters