A reredos (/ˈrɪərˌdɒs, ˈrɪərɪ-, ˈrɛrɪ-/ REER-dos, REER-ih-, RERR-ih-) is a large altarpiece, a screen, or decoration placed behind the altar in a church. It often includes religious images.
The term reredos may also be used for similar structures, if elaborate, in secular architecture, for example very grand carved chimneypieces.[1] It also refers to a simple, low stone wall placed behind a hearth.
- ^ "Reredos", Baca, Murtha, and Visual Resources Association, Cataloging Cultural Objects: A Guide to Describing Cultural Works and Their Images, 2006, American Library Association, ISBN 0838935648, 9780838935644