Cranach-Triegel altar returns to Naumburg Cathedral
It caused discussions about the Unesco World Heritage title for Naumburg Cathedral and is now returning after a year-long exhibition tour: the Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece will be on display again in the west choir of the cathedral from next weekend until July 2025. The Vereinigte Domstifter will be offering several special guided tours of the altar on Saturday and Sunday, according to a press release on Monday.
"The guided tours will explain the history and symbolism of the historic altarpiece as well as the background to the "Triegel meets Cranach" project," it continued. The Leipzig painter Michael Triegel completed the altarpiece, which was created by Lukas Cranach the Elder between 1517 and 1519 and later partially destroyed.
However, the location of the altarpiece - in the west choir of the cathedral between the famous donor figures such as Uta von Naumburg - was controversial. The Vereinigte Domstifter wanted the altar to be returned to its original location. However, according to experts from the Icomos World Monuments Council, the artwork impaired the "extremely sensitive visual relationships in the west choir". Because of its location, there was even discussion about the possibility of the cathedral being stripped of its World Heritage status. Calm now seems to have returned to the dispute.
In addition, the Protestant parish of Naumburg and the Vereinigte Domstifter are inviting people to a musical vespers service in the west choir of Naumburg Cathedral on Saturday evening. It will be performed by the Catholic Bishop of Magdeburg, Gerhard Feige, and the Protestant Regional Bishop Johann Schneider, among others.
The Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece, previously displayed in churches during exhibitions, holds a significant history and is controversial due to its location in the west choir of Naumburg Cathedral, where it disrupts the visual relationships. tourists visiting the cathedral might also be interested in exploring the church's monuments during their visit.
After navigating through the enchanting church and admiring its monuments, visitors can appreciate the Art of the Cranach-Triegel Altarpiece, now returned to its original location in the west choir, during the special guided tours offered by the Vereinigte Domstifter.
Source: www.dpa.com
