Behind The Altar

Behind The Altar

Medium: Medium Format Film Photography (click image to see full frame)
Location: Abbey of Sant’Antimo;  Starcha Valley, Italy

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About the artwork;

According to tradition, in 781 Charlemagne was returning from Rome along the Via Francigena. While camped near Monte Amiata, many in his court and army were struck down by plague. During the night, an angel appeared to the Emperor in dream and recommended that he pick a particular grass, dry it and then make an infusion with some wine and have it drunk by the soldiers. He did this and the army was cured. The grass is known to this day as “Carolina”. In return for an end to this scourge, the Emperor promised to found the abbey.