In architecture the term reredos refers to a number of things: a screen or partition wall behind an altar (altarpiece); the back of a fireplace; the open hearth, upon which fires were lighted, immediately under the louvre, in the centre of ancient halls. For more than 1000 years the episcopal seats and choir stalls were in line with the altar wall; but about the close of the 11th century they were brought forward, and the reredos, or screen, erected between them and the congregation. In the course of time the reredos came to be richly decorated, either with carved niches or with paintings or tapestries. In Spanish churches the reredos is the most decorative feature, often as wide as the nave and reaching to the vaulting of the roof. The materials employed are wood, stone, and alabaster. At Toledo and Seville painting and gilding are added. In Christchurch, Hampshire, is a reredos somewhat resembling the Spanish style. Other richly-decorated and carved examples may be seen in the cathedrals at St Albans, Manchester and Durham. The most famous, however, is that in the church of St Etienne du Mont in Paris, which contains a fabulous carved double stair and balustrading. Research Reredos
Abbreviations
Architecture
Research Reredos