Cranach-Triegel-Altar: Dispute in the Naumburg Cathedral finally ended!

Cranach-Triegel-Altar: Dispute in the Naumburg Cathedral finally ended!

Naumburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland - Finally, the dispute over the Cranach Prooption Altar in the Naumburg Cathedral has ended. After a long process, UNESCO experts have decided that the altar is to be removed from the west choir and should be set up at another location in the cathedral. This reports domradio.de . The new location in the transverse house of the cathedral was approved by the United Cathedral Founders and representatives of the preservation of monuments. The decision follows a judgment that has been received by the state government and thus creates great clarity.

The advance of placing the altar in the west choir has already been criticized several times. The UNESCO experts argue that the visual axes are impaired by the altar on the impressive donor figures, in particular the fascinating Uta of Naumburg. Lucas Cranach's altar attachment to the older one, which was completed in 1520, and the middle section supplemented by the Leipzig painter Michael Triegel in 2020, are now to be presented in a worthy setting that meets historical importance. This leads to an important clarification, which was also very welcomed by Minister Rainer Robra. naumburger-dom.de confirms the approval by the UNESCO from July 2025.

The way to the new location

The discussion about the best location for the altar in the Naumburg Cathedral extended over several years. Experts feared that an inappropriate placement could endanger the cathedral's World Heritage Status. The Naumburg Cathedral received the coveted World Heritage Bestatus in 2018, and this was questioned by the setting up of the altar in the west choir. mdr.de informs that the UNESCO from an expert opinion from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (icomos) Deranzog, which was created in June 2022.

The interest in the altar and its elaborate restoration show the cultural value associated with this work of art. The masterpiece was originally created between 1517 and 1519 by Lukas Cranach, but was partially destroyed in 1541 in the course of the Reformation. With the addition by Michael Triegel, the work of art was again able to take a full form.

outlook for the future

The United Domestians plan to exhibit the Cranach Triegel Altar again from December 2023 to July 2025 in the west choir of the Naumburg Cathedral before moving to the Nordquerhaus. The clear decision about the new location not only brings relief for the responsible bodies, but also ensures the appreciation of this extraordinary work of art.

In the coming years it will be shown how the new lineup will affect the perception of the cathedral. What is certain is that the altar will play a central role in the Naumburg Cathedral in the future without putting the unique foundation figures in the shade.