Golden altar of Sant'Ambrogio
Type:
Altars
Date:
824 to 859
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Italy
Medium:
Enamel,
Gems,
Gilt-silver,
Gold,
Silver
Dimensions:
85 × 220 cm
Description:
The church of St. Ambrose (Sant'Ambrogrio) in Milan has the oldest extant golden altar revetment. Since the ninth century it has protected the relics of Milan's famous fourth-century bishop and the martyrs whose bodies he discovered. On the front, Christ in Majestyis flanked by Christological scenes; on the short sides, bishops, martyrs, and angels surround a gemmed cross; and on the back are scenes from the life of St. Ambrose. At the center he crowns the patron and artist of the golden altar. A long Latin inscription credits Bishop Angilbertus II (r. 824–59) as the patron, and a shorter text names the "master maker," Wolvinus.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons, Sailko
