The original of the Golden Altar Frontal is now housed in the Musée National du Moyen Age – Thermes et Hôtel de Cluny in Paris. This masterpiece of Ottonian goldsmithing is widely regarded as one of the gifts donated to Basel Cathedral by Emperor Henry II at its consecration in 1019.

The Golden Altar Frontal was sold at auction in Liestal in 1836, when an unfortunate misunderstanding thwarted its repurchase by the City of Basel. Not until eighteen years later was the owner of the piece, Victor Theubet, able to sell it to the French state for the sum of 50,000 francs. The plaster cast of the frontal made in 1838 that became part of Basel’s Medieval Collection in 1881 has been on show in the Barfüsser Church since 1894.

Under the central arch of the arcade stands Christ himself, here depicted as a ruler with his hand held up in blessing and at his feet the donors, Henry II and Cunigunde. Flanking Christ are Saint Benedict and the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

The spandrel medallions contain personifications of the Cardinal Virtues Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude.The inscription below and above the saints translates as follows: «He who, like God, the powerful, the healer, the saviour, and the blessed/Look with benevolence, merciful intercessor, upon the worldly creatures.»