On this late fifteenth-century embroidered altarpiece from Germany, the inscription from John 1:14 frames a central scene, showing the Nativity. Beyond this textual frame, the embroidery depicts other moments from the life of Christ, including the Annunciation and the Resurrection. But the focus of this covering for the sacramental site of the altar is the moment at which Christ came into the world, first witnessed by the shepherds, to whom you can see angels bringing the news on the rocky hills in the background.

Unknown artist, Germany; Colmar

Embroidered altarpiece, late 15th century
Linen; silk; metallic yarn
Length: 88.9 cm (35 inches)
Helen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund and Mary B. Jackson Fund 1992.041

 Images: RISD Museum