ABSTRACT OF THEOLOGICAL PROGRAM


The typological schema of the ‘altar's' program is triadic: the main events of the New Testament, the Vita Christi, are shown to have been twice foretold by events recorded in the Old Testament. These past events now are seen as allegories, as veiled signs, as artfully concealed communications hinting at the divine plan: they are presented as an invitation to be cunningly and subtly read, according to their true significance in light of present revelation.

This method of interpretation, called typological, or figurative, rests its truth claims on the testimonies of biblical allegories and the authority of the patristic tradition. The fifth and the 12th century are periods where typology especially flourished, in strategic response to immense political and spiritual challenges.-- Below please find the panel overview with the circumscription catalogue, followed by a translation of the original document with which the panels have been dedicated. This dedication defines typology in no uncertain terms. The "Dedicatio" is followed by the typologically construed Scripture references for each of the triads, vertically displayed on the altar's 17 panels (51 scenes), together with the name of each panel's presiding virtue.

Circumscription Catalogue:

click on a panel within the image above, or choose a text link below.