altar-piece

The priest stands before the ornate altar-piece during the service.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A decorative work of art placed behind or above an altar: "altar-piece" refers to a painting, sculpture, or other artistic composition specifically designed to adorn the space behind or above an altar in a Christian church or other religious setting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The church’s altar-piece depicts the Last Supper in vivid detail. (A painting or carving placed behind the altar.)
  • This Renaissance altar-piece is considered a masterpiece of religious art. (A decorative artwork above or behind the altar.)

Advanced Usage

• "altar-piece" as a specific term in art history: Often used to describe a large, multi-paneled work (polyptych) or a single panel that is part of a church’s liturgical furniture.
  • The altarpiece in the cathedral was commissioned in the 15th century. (A large, ornate work of art behind the altar.)

Variants and Related Words

• Altar (n): a table or structure used for religious rites.

  • The priest placed the offerings on the altar. (The sacred table in a church.)

• Piece (n): a part or portion of something.

  • The altar-piece is a single piece of carved wood. (A distinct component of the altar’s decoration.)

Synonyms

• Reredos: a decorative screen or wall behind an altar.

  • The reredos is often carved or painted. (Another term for an altar-piece, especially in Gothic architecture.)

• Retable: a shelf or frame above an altar, often holding an altar-piece.

  • The retable supported the painted altar-piece. (A structure that holds the altar-piece.)

Related Idioms

• "Behind the altar-piece": figuratively, something hidden or obscure.
  • The secret documents were found behind the altar-piece. (A literal or metaphorical hiding place.)

Notes on Usage

• "Altar-piece" is sometimes written as "altarpiece" (one word) in modern English, but both forms are accepted. The hyphenated form emphasizes the compound nature of the term.