Definition of altarpiece Altarpiece
/ɔˈltɚpiˌs/ - [olterpees] - al•tar•piece
We found 5 definitions of altarpiece from 5 different sources.
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What does altarpiece mean?
WordNet
NounPlural: altarpieces |
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| altarpiece - a painted or carved screen placed above and behind an altar or communion table | ||
| reredos | ||
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Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘
- altarpiece (n.)
The painting or piece of sculpture above and behind the altar; reredos.
Wikipedia 
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An altarpiece is a work of art that has been made to go above the altar in a Christian church. An altarpiece can be a painting, or it can be carved from wood or stone. Some altarpieces have both painting and sculpture.
Purpose.
A beautiful altarpiece is a way of making a person who goes into a church feel interested, so they walk forward, closer to the altar. This puts them in a good position to see the church service, hear the prayers and readings, and listen to what the priest says.
If there is no "service" in the church at that time, the altarpiece gives a person something interesting to look at and think about. It helps them to think about Jesus or a particular saint whose story might be told in the pictures. Looking at an altarpiece can encourage a person to pray.
Subject matter.
There are three most common subjects, "The Virgin Mary and Christ Child", "Jesus crucified" and "Christ in Glory". These are three very important parts of Christian belief.
Altars of The Virgin Mary and Christ Child were made to remind Christians that God came to Earth as Jesus, in the form of an ordinary helpless little baby, to grow up among people. These altarpieces are to remind Christians of the Christmas story.
Altarpieces of Jesus on the cross were made to remind Christians that Jesus, who was pure and did not sin, died a horrible death like a robber and murderer so that Christians could be forgiven. These altarpieces are to remind Christians of the Easter story.
Altarpieces that show Jes
Part of speech
🔤- altarpiece, noun, singular of altarpieces.
