Artwork
Altar of the Christian Faith
Altar of the Christian Faith is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Hermann tom Ring. It dates from 1561 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on middle panel, lower left in black ink: ANNO / 1561; lower right in black ink: [artist's monogram]; across left side of central panel in pen and ink: DE TEIN / GEBODE GODES / Du schalt nyne ander / Godde beneuen my hebben / du schalt dy myne Belder / noch eynige gelijckenysse / macken, noch des datt dar / bouen ym Hemmel, noch / des dat dar nedden op der / Eerden, odder des dat ym / Water under der Eerden is. Bedde se nycht ann / und deyne enn nychtt. / Du schalst de namen / des Heren dynes Goddes / nicht vergeues voerenn / Gedencke des Sabbatt / daeges. Dat du ennee / hillygest.; across right side of central panel in pen and ink: EXOD. 22 / DEVTEREN. 5. / Du schalst dine Vader un; SEE COMMENTARY FOR REST
About this work
Overview
The Altar of the Christian Faith is a 1561 drawing by Hermann tom Ring, a German Renaissance painter. It is a miniature design for a triptych altarpiece, created using pen, ink, wash, and watercolor on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two figures, likely representing Faith and Charity, within arched frames. They are accompanied by handwritten text in Dutch, suggesting a devotional or theological context.
Technique & Style
The work showcases the artist's use of simple shapes, careful lines, and subtle shading achieved through gray wash and blue watercolor. The style is characteristic of Northern Renaissance art, with attention to detail and a focus on representational accuracy.
History & Provenance
Hermann tom Ring, active in Münster from his birth in 1521 until his death in 1596, created this drawing in 1561. The work reflects his skill as a designer and his familiarity with the artistic conventions of his time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Hermann tom Ring (German pronunciation:; 2 January 1521 in Münster – 18 October 1596 in Münster), was a German Renaissance painter.
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