Naumburg Altar Temporarily Relocated to Rome After Prolonged Dispute

An altar originally crafted by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and more recently restored by Leipzig artist Michael Triegel, has been relocated from the Naumburg Cathedral in Saxony-Anhalt to a church in Rome, Italy. This decision follows years of debate regarding its placement within the cathedral, particularly concerns that its presence in the West Choir could obscure significant medieval donor statues and potentially jeopardize the cathedral's UNESCO World Heritage status.

The altar, recognized as the Cranach-Triegel Altar, was created in the early 16th century. The central panel, depicting the Virgin Mary, was destroyed during iconoclastic turmoil in 1541, leaving only the side panels intact. In recent years, Michael Triegel was commissioned to recreate the missing central section, incorporating both historical and contemporary figures. His artistic approach included the depiction of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Protestant theologian executed by the Nazis, and his own teenage daughter modeled as the Virgin Mary.

Despite its artistic and historical significance, the altar's modern restoration sparked disagreement among heritage experts. Critics argued that its installation clashed with the cathedral's medieval architecture, possibly endangering its UNESCO designation. After a panel of international experts recommended its removal, authorities in Saxony-Anhalt decided to lend the altar to the Catholic church of Santa Maria on the grounds of the Campo Santo Teutonico, adjacent to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The altar is expected to remain in its new location until at least autumn 2027 as stakeholders in Germany search for a long-term resolution.

The relocation led to a notable discovery. The figure of Saint Peter in Triegel's painting was modeled after a German homeless man, Burkhard Scheffler, who frequently slept in the colonnades of St. Peter's Square. Scheffler passed away from exposure in 2022 and, at the request of Pope Francis, was interred at the Campo Santo Teutonico cemetery--the first Protestant to be buried there. The restored altar now stands only a short distance from his grave, a detail that came to light upon its installation in Rome.

The transfer of the altar to Rome underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between contemporary restoration and preservation of historical religious sites. While the altar's future in Germany remains uncertain, its current placement in Rome allows for continued public viewing and reflection on both its artistic heritage and the evolving narrative of European ecclesiastical art.