SOUTH GERMAN OR AUSTRIAN, THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Details

A painted fragment of a canvas altarhanging 'Fastentuch'
SOUTH GERMAN OR AUSTRIAN, THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY
Mounted on a later canvas backing, showing scenes from the life of Christ, including the wedding at Canaa and the resurection, indistinct inscriptions to the edges and dated 1649
147 cm. x 124 cm.

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve and will be sold to the highest bidder. Christie's charge a premium to the buyer on the final bid price of each lot sold at the following rates: 23.8% of the final bid price of each lot sold up to and including €150,000 and 14.28% of any amount in excess of €150,000. Buyers' premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

Although dated 1649, the costumes worn by the figures are consistent with the third quarter of the 18th century.

These types of altar cloths appeared first in the Cluny monastry in the year 1000. They became popular in Germanic countries and Austria, where they would be hung in front of the altar during the 40 days of lent. Usually depicting scenes from the passion, these were large cloths which covered the altar completely during lent.

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