The Altarpiece of the High Altar of Aarhus Cathedral

The altarpiece was commissioned by Jens Iversen Lange, Bishop of Aarhus (1449–82), on whose initiative the large-scale rebuilding of the cathedral was started. The patron saint of the cathedral is St Clement, who is depicted on the altarpiece as well as elsewhere in the church. A letter from Lübeck Town Council to Bishop Iversen dated 20 December 1478 refers to Bernt Notke as the creator of the altarpiece. The altarpiece was already underway at the time. In 1482, Notke confirmed to the bishop that he had received his fee. In addition to the agreed amount, the bishop gave the master a gratuity, as well as a horse.

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