Dombild Altarpiece facts for kids
The Dombild Altarpiece is a famous painted artwork from the 15th century. It is also known as the Cologne Cathedral Painting or the Three Kings Altarpiece. A German artist named Stefan Lochner created this beautiful piece of art.
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What is the Dombild Altarpiece?
The Dombild Altarpiece is a type of painting called a triptych. This means it has three panels that are joined together. You can open and close the side panels like doors.
Originally, this altarpiece was made for a chapel called St. Maria in Jerusalem in Cologne, Germany. In 1810, it was moved to the famous Cologne Cathedral. Today, you can find it in the Marienkapelle (Mary's Chapel) inside the cathedral.
What Does the Altarpiece Show?
The altarpiece tells different stories through its paintings.
The Main Scene
The large central panel shows the Three Kings, also known as the Wise Men. These kings are very important to Cologne because their relics (special historical items) are kept in the city. The central panel is quite big, measuring about 260 by 285 centimeters.
The Side Panels
- The left panel shows Saint Ursula. She is pictured with some of the 11,000 virgins who were martyred with her. This means they bravely died for their beliefs.
- The right panel features Saint Gereon of Cologne. He was another important saint from Cologne.
When the altarpiece is closed, the back of the two side panels show a scene called the Annunciation. This is when the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will have a special baby.
A Famous Visitor: Albrecht Dürer
A very famous artist named Albrecht Dürer saw the Dombild Altarpiece in 1520. He was traveling through Cologne on his way to the Netherlands. Dürer wrote in his travel diary that he paid a small fee to see the painting by "Master Steffan of Cologne." This shows how important the artwork was, even centuries ago!
Images for kids
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The central panel showing the Adoration of the Magi.
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The left panel depicting Saint Ursula and her companions.
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The right panel featuring Saint Gereon.
