Predella
predella (base panel of an altarpiece)
noun pre-DEL-ah Rare
Origin: from Italian predella, footstool
Usage Note
Predella is the narrow horizontal base panel below the main register of a polyptych altarpiece, usually containing smaller narrative scenes. Feminine noun borrowed from Italian; used in art-historical writing about medieval and Renaissance altarpieces.
Examples
"Die Predella des Altars enthielt acht kleine Szenen aus dem Leben Christi."
Natural Translation
The predella of the altarpiece contained eight small scenes from the life of Christ.
Literal Translation
The predella of the altar contained eight small scenes from the life of Christ.
Related Words
- Abguss cast, casting (plaster or metal replica of a sculpture)
- Abstraktion abstraction (non-representational art)
- Acrylfarbe acrylic paint
- Akanthus acanthus (decorative leaf motif)
- Akt nude
- Aktmalerei nude painting; figure painting
- Aktmodell life model; nude model (for drawing or painting)
- Aktzeichnung life drawing, figure drawing (of the nude)
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