Historical
Illustrations
Many portatives existed towards the end of the Middle Ages; this is shown in hundreds of more or lesser known paintings and in stone carvings on church portals all over Europe. Included is a small selection of our collection of pictures. With your help, we might even establish a „portative museum“ on this website. Please let us know if you are in possession of rare and beautiful pictures. We would really appreciate it!
Raffael (1483-1520)
Saint Cäcilie with Saints
originated around 1514-16
Size 150 x 238 cm
anon. Master of the Bartholomäus-Altars
Saint Cäcilie
Kreuz-Altar (around 1490-1495)
Detail of the left altar side
oak, 107 x 34 cm
Köln, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Inv.-Nr. WRM 180
Israel van Meckenem (end of 15th century)
Organ player and his wife
Table positif;
London, British Library, B 175