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Portable Altar

German (Hildesheim)

Not on view

Portable altars provided a consecrated table for celebrating the Eucharist beyond the walls of the church. The engraved scenes decorating this example include the Last Supper on its front and the Washing of Christ’s Feet on the back, both scenes featuring an orderly lineup of the Twelve Apostles that underscores the altar’s horizontality. On the two ends are the Meal at Emmaus and what is likely the Conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus.

Portable Altar, Silver, with niello and gilding, porphyry and unknown stone; wood core, German (Hildesheim)

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