Sustain-altar of Eilbertus from the Guelph Treasure

An inscription on the baseplate of the portable altar proudly proclaims: EILBERTVS COLONIENSIS ME FECIT + (Eilbertus of Cologne made me). Various techniques of copper enamel are employed here with a high level of technical virtuosity to present a comprehensive theological iconography. Prophets holding banderoles inscribed with their prophecies appear on the sides. As representatives of the Old Testament, they symbolically support the altar. Eight scenes of salvation appear on the outer edges of the mensa (the upper surface of the altar), flanking images of the twelve apostles, which in turn surround the altar stone. The apostles hold banderoles inscribed with the articles of the Apostles’ Creed. A miniature painting of Christ Pantocrator surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists can be seen beneath the rock crystal altar stone.