Baroque Fasting Cloth by Altomonte Discovered in Austrian Monastery

Rare Baroque Fastentuch Discovered in Austrian Monastery

Linz, Austria – February 11, 2026 – A remarkably well-preserved Baroque-era Fastentuch, or Lenten cloth, has been discovered in a storage room at the Carmelite Monastery in Linz, Austria. The find, made by art conservator Karin Mayer, is attributed to the artist Bartolomeo Altomonte (1694–1783).

Mayer noticed an unassuming roll on a box while inspecting the monastery’s storage space. “That’s something we need to take a closer look at,” she reportedly said, initiating an examination alongside then-Prior P. Paul Saji Bavakkat.

The cloth, measuring approximately four meters by two meters, quickly revealed its significance. According to reports, This proves a signed work by Altomonte, a prominent artist active between 1775 and 1776, as evidenced by frescoes he completed during that period.

Fastentücher were historically used during the Lenten season in the Catholic Church to cover statues and crosses as a sign of mourning and penance. These cloths were often painted with religious scenes or symbolic imagery, serving as a visual reminder of the solemnity of the season. The discovery of a signed work by a known artist like Altomonte elevates this particular Fastentuch beyond a typical devotional object, transforming it into a significant piece of art history.

Bartolomeo Altomonte, born in 1694, was a painter known for his Baroque style. Web searches indicate he spent time in a Calabrian convent at the age of twenty, reportedly sent there by his superiors. His work often featured religious themes, and his frescoes are noted for their artistic merit.

The Admont Abbey Library, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” features frescoes by Altomonte, completed between 1775 and 1776, demonstrating his skill in large-scale decorative painting. The discovery of this Fastentuch adds another layer to understanding his artistic output and the context of Baroque art in Austria.

The Carmelite Monastery in Linz has not yet announced plans for the Fastentuch’s public display or further research. However, the discovery is already generating excitement among art historians and conservators, who recognize its potential to shed light on the artistic practices and religious customs of the 18th century. The cloth’s condition and the clarity of Altomonte’s signature suggest it has been carefully preserved over the centuries, offering a rare glimpse into the past.

Further investigation may reveal details about the Fastentuch’s original commission, its intended use within the monastery, and its journey through the centuries. The find underscores the importance of continued preservation efforts within religious institutions, which often hold hidden treasures of historical and artistic value.