Christian Iconography

noun a painted or carved panel or panels situated above and behind an altar in a church

• The altarpiece in the cathedral is a magnificent work of art.
• Have you seen the altarpiece in the church yet?
• That altarpiece in the chapel is so cool!
• The altarpiece symbolizes the unity of the community in worship.

noun a large semicircular or polygonal recess in a church, arched or with a domed roof, typically at the eastern end, and usually containing the altar.

• The apse of the cathedral is beautifully decorated with intricate mosaics.
• Let's meet by the apse of the church after the service.
• I always feel a sense of peace when I sit in the apse during mass.
• The apse of the company represents the leadership and decision-making authority.

noun a painting or carving on two hinged panels that may be closed like a book

adjective relating to or characteristic of a diptych

• The artist created a beautiful diptych featuring two complementary images.
• I love how that diptych looks on the wall, it really ties the room together.
• Check out this cool diptych I found at the thrift store.
• The diptych of success and failure in his life hung prominently in his office.

noun A meal, specifically the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion

• The Last Supper is a famous religious event depicted in many works of art.
• We learned about the Last Supper in Sunday school.
• I heard the Last Supper was a real feast!
• Their dinner party felt like a modern-day Last Supper.

noun a platform or step on which an altar stands in a church

• The predella is a decorative panel located below the main painting in an altarpiece.
• I didn't realize the predella was actually a separate piece of art below the main painting.
• Check out the cool little scene on the predella underneath the big painting.
• The predella serves as a foundation for the main painting, much like a strong base supports a structure.