A reredos is a decorative feature that is commonly found in religious buildings, particularly in churches. It is typically located behind the altar and serves as a backdrop for religious ceremonies. The term reredos is derived from the Middle English word rere-dos, which means back-again. This refers to the fact that the reredos is situated at the back of the altar. The reredos is often made of stone or wood and is decorated with sculptures, paintings, and other ornamental pieces. It may also feature columns, arches, and panels. The purpose of the reredos is to provide a physical barrier between the altar and the congregation, and to serve as a focal point for the congregation during religious ceremonies. In addition to its functional purpose, the reredos also serves an aesthetic purpose. It is often designed to enhance the visual appeal of the sanctuary, with its ornate decoration providing a sense of grandeur and reverence. The reredos may also be used to convey religious messages or to depict important events from religious history. The history of the reredos can be traced back to the medieval period, when it was a common feature in churches throughout Europe. During this time, the reredos was often decorated with scenes from the Bible or from the lives of saints. The design of the reredos evolved over time, with Gothic and Renaissance styles becoming popular in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the reredos continues to be an important feature in many religious buildings. While its design may vary depending on the style of the building and the preferences of the congregation, its purpose remains the same: to provide a focal point for religious ceremonies and to enhance the visual appeal of the sanctuary.
religious buildings, altar, sculptures, paintings, aesthetic, medieval period
Reredos is a term used in architecture to describe a large decorative wall behind the altar in a church. It is also known as an altar screen, and typically consists of several columns, arches and panels that are often covered in elaborate paintings, sculptures, and carvings. The purpose of the reredos is to provide a physical barrier between the altar and the congregation, and to provide a backdrop for the celebration of the Eucharist. In some churches, the reredos also serves to enhance the visual aesthetic of the sanctuary, with its ornate decoration providing a sense of grandeur and reverence.
Decoration, Altar, Church, Eucharist, Backdrop
Masonry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and one of its most iconic features is the reredos. In architecture, a reredos is a wall of masonry or an entire structure, usually situated behind an altar in a church or other religious building. It typically consists of a decorated stone or wood frame, within which are placed statues, murals, and other ornamental pieces. The purpose of a reredos is to provide a backdrop for religious ceremonies or to serve as a focal point for the congregation. It may also be used to separate the clergy from the congregation and to provide a symbolic barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Altarpiece, Façade, Retable, Tabernacle, Murals
CITATION : "Shelly Stone. 'Reredos.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=234934 (Accessed on May 28, 2025)"
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