Artwork
Altar frontal from Tavèrnoles
Altar frontal from Tavèrnoles is a tempera painting by the Romanesque artist Unknown. It dates from 1150 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
If you want to keep exploring, check out the museum: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
Altar frontal from Tavèrnoles is a Romanesque piece made around 1150. It was painted with tempera on wood. The work served as the front of an altar in a medieval church.
Today it is on display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. The museum presents it as an example of Romanesque religious art. Tempera gives the colors a matte look and helps the paint last for centuries.
If you want to keep exploring, check out the museum: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
Overview
The Altar frontal from Tavèrnoles is a Romanesque painting created circa 1150, executed in tempera on wood. Originally designed as the decorative front of an altar in a medieval church, it is now housed at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona.
Subject & Meaning
As a religious artifact, its subject matter, though not explicitly detailed here, would typically depict scenes or figures from Christian iconography common in Romanesque art, intended to convey spiritual themes and narratives to the congregation.
Technique & Style
The use of tempera on wood is characteristic of Romanesque painting. Tempera's matte finish is evident in the piece, contributing to its durability over centuries. The style aligns with the austere yet expressive tendencies of Romanesque art.
History & Provenance
Originating from Tavèrnoles, the frontal's early history is tied to its use in a medieval church. Its later acquisition and current display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia highlight its recognized importance in Catalan Romanesque art.
Context
This piece is contextualized by the museum as exemplary of Romanesque religious art, reflecting the artistic, religious, and cultural practices of 12th-century Catalonia.
Artist & collection
