Antependium

The frontal (from Latin ante "before" and pendere "hang" ) is originally a rich and embroidered curtain fabric before or on the sides of the stipes ( altar base ). Common are these curtains since the 4th century. In the Middle Ages the altar of the cafeteria ( altar plate ) to the ground not with substance but with wood, precious metal or stone and on the back ( dorsal, French dossier ) is often disguised, often adorned with ornaments. Also this panel is called frontal. Since 1570 the Catholic Church a fabric hangings was prescribed.

Frontals are both in the Protestant and the Catholic Church in use. Frontals are usually used as an altar and as Kanz same slope. They are like all the vestments in the liturgical colors kept and often come with matching to the church season symbols.

In Catholic and Autocephalous Churches of the Antiochian rite Antependium is always required at the altar, which consists of three red, embroidered panels, is traditional and year-round with green framing.

Received frontals of great artistic value are for example:

• Basler Antependium to 1019; Paris, Musée de Cluny
• Parament de Narbonne, 1372-78; Paris, Louvre
• Pala d' oro in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice