THE BERARDENGA ANTEPENDIUM AND THE PASSIO YMAGINIS OFFICE.

The article focuses on an ancient antependium painting at the National Gallery in Siena, Italy. The mural depicts pastiglia decorations that simulate precious metalwork with six lateral scenes. A recent study revealed that the original design was intended for the liturgy of Siena Cathedral during the earlier 13th century. It has been interpreted as an object that belonged to the Sienese liturgical practice, which constituted the main argument for rejecting an original location in the abbey church of San Salvatore della Berardenga, where it has been preserved prior to the final suppression of the monastery in 1820.