<P> An altarpiece is an artwork such as a painting , sculpture or relief representing a religious subject made for placing behind the altar of a Christian church . Though most commonly used for a single work of art such as a painting or sculpture , or a set of them , the word can also be used of the whole ensemble behind an altar , otherwise known as a reredos , including what is often an elaborate frame for the central image or images . Altarpieces were one of the most important products of Christian art especially from the late Middle Ages to the era of the Counter-Reformation . </P>
<P> An altarpiece is an artwork such as a painting , sculpture or relief representing a religious subject made for placing behind the altar of a Christian church . Though most commonly used for a single work of art such as a painting or sculpture , or a set of them , the word can also be used of the whole ensemble behind an altar , otherwise known as a reredos , including what is often an elaborate frame for the central image or images . Altarpieces were one of the most important products of Christian art especially from the late Middle Ages to the era of the Counter-Reformation . </P>
an artwork behind the alter in some churches
an artwork behind the alter in some churches
altarpiece
altarpiece