eclectic imaging (redux)
St. Getreu, Bamberg: Trinitarieraltar
Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 21 January 2010 in Art & Design.
This is the altar of Bamberg's confraternity of Trinitarians. This Catholic order, founded in 1198, has a special dedication to the mystery of the Holy Trinity and is known for its founding-intention of ransoming captured Christians during the crusades (Wikipedia). Many references to the history of this order can be seen here: instead of the altarpiece we can see the calling vision of St John of Matha. It shows an angel with the blue-red cross of the Trinitarian order who cup his hands around a prisoner and a slave. Above him the depiction of trinity with God Father, Christ, and the eye of God; at the angel's feet a stag drinking from a font (also a vision of Felix of Valois). John and Felix are flanking the altar.
I'm a bit occupied these days, I'll visit you soon.
My (old) coffee-table book of selected postings.
More MadScientist: eclecticimaging.tumblr.com, the guy behind this blog
@Céline: Figure size ca. 50-80 cm.
@António Pires: Cheers, António!
@Nazzareno: Many thanks, Nazzareno!
@akarui: So many of them! These figures are very lively.
@Curly: These figures are really lively and beautiful; this shot doesn't do them justice.
@B.Held: These altars are identification markers of their benefactors, so the more ornate, the better.
@MARIANA: Expensive is right, usually many donators were needed for building such an altar.
@Ted: I really like these sculptures.
@Steven: Thanks very much!
@Michael: Forget the freemasons - they were founded in the Age of Enlightenment, and in this church we are miles away from this. The Eye of Providence is actually age-old.
@Roman: Glad you like it, Roman. Make yourself at home.
@Japanalia: You don't expect an answer here, do you? :-) But you are very right: rich people of today usually don't build museums, castles, cathedrals etc. any more. So the money is missing. Then it must be said that the spiritual desires of many people changed: spirituality has replaced faith and has become a more individual phenomenon. But when everybody celebrates his own little religion, there is no need for central places of worship. And then there are people who aren't interested in non-material things at all. You are right with your statement that we are constantly busy: this is the best method to ignore any questions that go beyond the material world and questions of meaning and relevance. Our common system wants us to consume and to work, that doesn't permit any time for everything else.
@Twelvebit: Yes, these figures are very lively and fresh.
@Japanalia: Many thanks, Gabriela! You know, this is the place where you can speak frankly. :-)