• Besides showing some of the most important altarpieces, the book contains a summary catalogue of all extant early altarpieces in France, making it a useful reference tool for scholars and libraries • Catalogue of the exhibition held at the Musée du Louvre, Richelieu wing, April-July 2009 The central element of Christian liturgy, the altarpiece, placed above the alter, is a traditional work of art — a panel placed above and behind the altar, generally in a rectangular form, and made of the most varied materials and techniques, such as sculpture in stone, marble, alabaster, wood, ivory, metalwork, painting on stone, or wood etc. In its collections, the Musée du Louvre holds some remarkable examples of early altarpieces, which are complemented in the forthcoming exhibition by works from other museums and churches. They are mainly French altarpieces (retables), a reflection of the importance of France, and especially of Paris and Saint-Denis, in the genesis of these works of art. Although central to Christian liturgical decoration, altarpieces did not emerge until the 12th century. This book, and the accompanying exhibition recalls the origins of the genre and follows its evolution up to the early 15th century, when altarpieces assumed their more familiar forms. Contents: Introduction; The Altarpiece; The 12th Century; The 13th Century; The 14th Century; Late Gothic; Illustrated summary catalogue of the early French altarpieces not exhibited; Each section is followed by catalogue entries of the pieces shown in the exhibit. Text in French. Pierre-Yves Le Pogam is curator of Sculptures at the Musée du Louvre.
