# The Concord of Church and State

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/unknown-weaver-german-raeaf917db35c61/the-concord-of-church-and-state-rec6fe5ac8f0bcd>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [UNKNOWN WEAVER, German](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/unknown-weaver-german-raeaf917db35c61>)
- Date: 1151-1200
- Technique: Tapestry

## Commentary

The Emperor and the Pope were the twin peaks of medieval authority, one secular, the other spiritual. Medieval political theory saw the sharing of powers between Church and State as a perfect harmony. In practice there was continual discord. Until the 11th century the pope was generally subordinate to the emperor, but after the Investiture Contest the Church attained at least equality. The German tapestry shown here reflects the harmony.

## Related artworks

- [Game of cards](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/unknown-weaver-german-raeaf917db35c61/game-of-cards-r822abd2458b19d>)
- [St. Michael](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/unknown-weaver-german-raeaf917db35c61/st-michael-r6dc38cbce1b787>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)