photograph, photograph of pre-Vatican Cathedral altar

Historical information

The image portrays the no longer used High Altar of the Ballarat Cathedral and one of Ballarat's major artworks installed in 1880. It was designed and executed by Leonardi of Carrara, Italy, recognised as one of the premier marble workers in the world at the time. This is the only example of Leonardi's work in Australia.The altar is constructed of inlays of precious stones and antique marbles and the bas-reliefs feature Christ's passion which is also reflected in the Bentley designed Clayton & Bell window behind it.

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