An Uneasy Communion

This beautifully illustrated volume provides an in-depth study of the production of altarpieces in medieval Spain and examines the artistic overlap between the Jewish and Christian communities that this industry spawned, against a backdrop of rising Franciscan and Dominican power and the growth of Christian Messianism, which would culminate in the Expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Altarpieces were a significant force in Aragon's economy during the 14th and 15th centuries, and the authors explore the methods of production, workshop locations and shop styles within the context of the considerable interaction between the Jewish and Christian communities in Spain at this time. Both communities were engaged in producing retablos (large multi-panelled altarpieces) as well as Latin and Hebrew religious manuscripts, and this study analyses how both media portrayed Jews and Christians through dress and appearance.