CultureAugust 16, 2026

altarpiece

AWL-ter-pees

Definition

A work of art, such as a painting or sculpture, created to be placed above and behind an altar in a church.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'altare' (high place or altar) and 'piece' from Old French 'piece' (a part or portion). It emerged in English in the 16th century to describe devotional artwork associated with ecclesiastical altars.

In the news

The article reports that several panels belonging to a historical 'Polittico di San Gregorio' altarpiece were stolen from a museum, noting the cultural significance of the work remaining in its hometown.

Antonello da Messina artworks stolen from museum in Italy

Read the full article ↗

CBC

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