Antependium Collection

Part of an Antependium (Depicting The Last Supper), Germany, 1300/10. Creator: Unknown
Part of an Antependium (Depicting The Last Supper), Germany, 1300/10

Tapestry antependium depicting St Anne, the Virgin and Christ, and four female saints, from Middle Rhineland
3576057 Tapestry antependium depicting St Anne, the Virgin and Christ, and four female saints, from Middle Rhineland, 1475-99 (wool, silk, gold & silver threads) by German School

Tapestry panel with scenes from the Passion from an antependium, from Upper Rhineland (wool & linen)
3576061 Tapestry panel with scenes from the Passion from an antependium, from Upper Rhineland (wool & linen) by German School, (16th century); 63.5x68.5 cm; Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Tapestry antependium with Lamentation over the Dead Christ Pieta, from Strasbourg, c
3576071 Tapestry antependium with Lamentation over the Dead Christ Pieta, from Strasbourg, c.1450-60 (wool, silk & possibly linen) by French School, (15th century); 91.4x147.3 cm; Burrell Collection

Tapestry antependium depicting the Coronation of the Virgin between three holy bishops and two saints
3576052 Tapestry antependium depicting the Coronation of the Virgin between three holy bishops and two saints, from Middle Germany, 1450-99 (wool, gold & silk) by German School

Tapestry antependium depicting the Death of the Virgin, from Nuremberg (wool, yellow silk & gold thread)
3576046 Tapestry antependium depicting the Death of the Virgin, from Nuremberg (wool, yellow silk & gold thread) by German School, (15th century); 83.8x170.1 cm; Burrell Collection, Glasgow

Tapestry fragment from an altar frontal or antependium with St Pancras and St Gotthard, possibly from Nuremberg, c
3576044 Tapestry fragment from an altar frontal or antependium with St Pancras and St Gotthard, possibly from Nuremberg, c.1460-70 (linen & wool) by German School

Tapestry fragment depicting the Almighty and six holy women, probably from an antependium, end of 15th century (wool)
3576075 Tapestry fragment depicting the Almighty and six holy women, probably from an antependium, end of 15th century (wool) by European School, (15th century); 68.6x147.9 cm; Burrell Collection

The Nativity, from the Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia, Bergueda, 1170-90 (tempera on poplar panel)
IND54274 The Nativity, from the Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia, Bergueda, 1170-90 (tempera on poplar panel) (detail of 223698) by Master of Avia

Antependium, Italy, 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Antependium, Italy, 19th century

Antependium of Altar, 1937. Creator: Edward Jewett
Antependium of Altar, 1937

Antependium of Altar, 1939. Creator: Edward Jewett
Antependium of Altar, 1939

Part of an Antependium depicting the Last Supper, 1300-10
2972828 Part of an Antependium depicting the Last Supper, 1300-10 (plain weave linen embroidered with linen & silk) by German School, (14th century); 38.3x39.4 cm; The Art Institute of Chicago, IL

Antependium of altar in the Basilica di Sant Ambrogio
Rear of the antependium of the altar in the Basilica di Sant Ambrogio, Milan. Bas-relief formed of sheets of gold decorated with scenes from St. Ambroses life

Side of the altar in the Basilica di Sant Ambrogio, Milan
Side of the antependium of the altar in the Basilica di Sant Ambrogio, Milan. It is a bas-relief formed of sheets of gold. Lato del Paliotto della Basilica di S. Ambrogio

Facade of St. Marks Basilica, Venice, 1823. Facciata di S. Marco in Venezia. After Seroux d Agincourts Architecture, 1823

The Death of St. Martin of Tours, detail from an altar frontal from the Church of
XIR218723 The Death of St. Martin of Tours, detail from an altar frontal from the Church of Saint Martin in Chia, 1150-1200 (tempera on panel) (detail of 498163) by Johannes Pintor

Design Antependium Madonna della Misericordia
Artokoloro

Martyrdom of Saint Clement, detail from an altar frontal with scenes from the life of Saint Clement
XIR498681 Martyrdom of Saint Clement, detail from an altar frontal with scenes from the life of Saint Clement, from the Church of Sant Climent de TaAOEll, Vall de Boi, Alta RibagorAza

Madonna and Child, central panel of the Altar Frontal from the Church of Santa Maria de Cardet
XIR498165 Madonna and Child, central panel of the Altar Frontal from the Church of Santa Maria de Cardet, Vall de Boi, Spain, 1150-1200 (tempera on panel) (detail of 498164) by Johannes Pintor

Altar Frontal from the Church of Santa Maria de Cardet, Vall de Boi, Spain, depicting the Madonna
XIR498164 Altar Frontal from the Church of Santa Maria de Cardet, Vall de Boi, Spain, depicting the Madonna and four scenes from her life

Altar Frontal with scenes from the life of Saint Clement, from the Church of Sant Climent de Taull
XIR498166 Altar Frontal with scenes from the life of Saint Clement, from the Church of Sant Climent de TaAOEll, Vall de Boi, Alta RibagorAza

Altar frontal from the Church of Saint Martin, Chia, Spain, depicting Saint Martin of Tours
XIR498163 Altar frontal from the Church of Saint Martin, Chia, Spain, depicting Saint Martin of Tours and four scenes from his life, 1150-1200 (tempera on panel) by Johannes Pintor

The Presentation at the Temple, from the Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia
XIR498161 The Presentation at the Temple, from the Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia, Bergueda, 1170-90 (tempera on poplar panel) (detail of 223698) by Master of AviA (fl.1170-1200)

Altar Frontal depicting Saint Peter seated with crozier and four scenes from his life
XIR498162 Altar Frontal depicting Saint Peter seated with crozier and four scenes from his life, 1150-1200 (tempera on panel) by Lleida

Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia, Bergueda, 1170-90 (tempera on poplar panel)
XIR223698 Altar Frontal of Santa Maria d Avia, Bergueda, 1170-90 (tempera on poplar panel) (see also 498161 and 54274) by Master of AviA (fl.1170-1200); 105x175 cm; Museo de Arte de Catalunya

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The antependium, also known as an altar frontal, is a decorative textile that hangs in front of the altar in Christian churches. These tapestries are often richly adorned with intricate designs and depict religious scenes or figures. One such example is a tapestry antependium from the Middle Rhineland, created between 1475-99. This stunning piece showcases St Anne, the Virgin Mary, Christ, and four female saints. Made from wool, silk, gold and silver threads, it exudes opulence and craftsmanship. Another remarkable antependium comes from Strasbourg around 1450-60. This particular tapestry displays the Lamentation over the Dead Christ Pieta. Its use of wool, silk, and possibly linen creates a textured effect that adds depth to the scene. A notable feature of these textiles is their ability to convey powerful narratives through imagery. For instance, an antependium from Nuremberg depicts the Death of the Virgin using wool, yellow silk and gold thread. The vibrant colors bring life to this somber moment. Not all antependia focus solely on religious figures; some include holy bishops and saints as well. A Middle German creation dating back to 1450-99 portrays the Coronation of the Virgin surrounded by three holy bishops and two saints. Wool, gold thread and silk combine harmoniously to create a regal atmosphere. These tapestries were not limited to Germany alone; Italy also produced its own versions in later centuries. An unknown Italian creator crafted an exquisite 19th-century antependium featuring delicate details yet maintaining reverence for its purpose within worship spaces. Throughout history, artists have used various materials such as woolen fabrics or linen blends when creating these pieces for altars across Europe. Their beauty lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their ability to enhance spiritual experiences during religious ceremonies.