The Banner and the Altar Frontal of saint Ot: The Grave Goods of the Holy Bishop of the Cathedral of La Seu d’Urgell?

Abstract

The banner of saint Ot and the altar frontal of the Victoria and Albert Museum, two embroideries rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century in the cathedral of la Seu d’Urgell, are two relevant objects of the Spanish Romanesque among, for example, the famous “Creation” tapestry from the Cathedral of Girona. Both objects needed a historical and artistic review to analyse their links, and to narrow down their possible place of production, maybe a local embroidery workshop placed in a women’s monastery nearby the episcopal chair and under the protection of the family of the count. So, the banner and the altar frontal, created in relation with the new worship of the figure of saint Ot, were shown together in exceptional events celebrated at the cathedral.