During Lent, a new Lenten veil shrouds the high altar. It was designed and gifted to Rein Abbey by the theologian, religious education teacher, and former priest and monk Raphael Bergmann.
The artist depicts the central scene of the Christian Passion: Against a violet background, Jesus is laid in the lap of his mother Mary after the Deposition from the Cross. The figures appear shadowy, with the bright figure of Jesus standing out particularly. Mary is depicted in a blue cloak; red color accents symbolically allude to her suffering heart. On the ground kneels the grieving Mary Magdalene, rendered in gold-ochre hues.
The work is based on the painting “Deposition and Lamentation of Christ” (1785) by the Baroque painter Kremser Schmidt. This deliberate stylistic reference connects to the tradition of the Rein High Altar, whose painting “Adoration of the Shepherds” also originates from this workshop.
In terms of content, the Lenten veil establishes a connection to the altarpiece: It shows Jesus at the end of his earthly life in his mother’s lap – in contrast to his depiction as a child at the beginning of his life.
