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"Created in an age of faith, the polyptychs chosen for this volume are all altarpieces, works that came into being in response to changes in the Roman Catholic liturgy decreed as far back as 1274 at the Council of Lyons. According to the new dispensation, the priest would no longer say Mass facing the congregation (versus populum) but rather facing the altar and as often as possible in the presence of a sacred image.
Also involved was a redefinition of the doctrine of Transubstantion, which encouraged private devotions in chapels, intimate spaces where the faithful could become more directly involved in the Eucharistic service. Both developments proved, in time, to be conducive to the realization of grand altarpieces in polyptych form, placed against the wall over an altar in a chapel or upon the high altar in a church or cathedral where it would function as a kind of splendid partition separating the sanctuary from the choir.
The form had been evolving for well over a century, but it came into full flower only in the late 14th century and throughout the 15th, bringing the Late Gothic era to its final burst of glory and launching the Renaissance both in Northern Europe and in the Mediterranean countries.".
"Alas, few of the great polyptychs, wonderful as they are, survive in their original form or place of installation, having suffered the vicissitudes of history, as the authors explain in detail, particularly the misadventures that followed upon the secularization laws promulgated by Napoleon in the late 18th century. Along with this story and countless others comes the extended series of full-color illustrations, over 400 in all, many of them full-page and full-bleed.
Great Altarpieces is a book for everyone with an interest in civilization and culture, art and history, and the role of religion in human affairs."--BOOK JACKET.
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Subjects
Altarpieces, Gothic, Altarpieces, Renaissance, Christian art and symbolism, Gothic Altarpieces, Renaissance Altarpieces, Early Christian And Byzantine Art, Medieval, 500-1500, Art & Art Instruction, Religion And Art, History - Renaissance, Art, History - Medieval, Subjects & Themes - Religious, Art / General, 16th century, Panel painting, 15th century, AltarpiecesTimes
Medieval, 500-1500Showing 2 featured editions. View all 2 editions?
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1
Great altarpieces: Gothic and Renaissance
2002, Vendome Press, Distributed in the USA and Canada by Rizzoli
in English
0865652244 9780865652248
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2
Great Altarpieces: Gothic and Renaissance
October 1, 1999, Vendome Press
Hardcover
in English
0865652244 9780865652248
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Feedback?November 15, 2023 | Edited by MARC Bot | import existing book |
May 26, 2022 | Edited by ImportBot | import existing book |
July 30, 2019 | Edited by MARC Bot | associate edition with work OL3607777W |
December 3, 2010 | Edited by Open Library Bot | Added subjects from MARC records. |
December 10, 2009 | Created by WorkBot | add works page |