The original Carmelite church in Würzburg, Germany, was destroyed during the Second World War. Following the war, the convent church was rebuilt and, in 1976, the artist Paul Nagel was commissioned to decorate the rebuilt church. The new church presents some very interesting works and can certainly be classified as another excellent example of "Other Modern" -- a form of art and/or architecture which, while contemporary, is likewise traditional and classical.
The best place to begin is with the high altar itself. A ciborium magnum was installed over the new altar. The columns of the ciborium are in the form of stylized palm trees.
Admittedly, while I would prefer to see a slightly wider altar set upon the predella, nonetheless this is an extraordinarily striking work worthy of the sacred liturgy. Here is a slightly closer look at the tabernacle and crucifix which sits above the high altar:
The Nagel paintings in the convent church are especially beautiful. While they have a contemporary feel on the one hand, they are likewise very traditional and clearly take inspiration from baroque movement and Rococo colour. They are, simply put, stunning.
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| Assumption of the Virgin |
Moving back through the nave, Nagel also decorated various shrines to Carmelite saints.
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| Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux |
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| Shrine of Blessed Edith Stein |
All around, a fantastic example of Other Modern.
Incidentally, if you are wondering what the pre-war altar and sanctuary looked like, here it is for the record:
