The earliest references to the legend of the Mass of St. Gregory appear relatively late, dating from the first half of the 15th century in Germany. The Mass of St. Gregory the Great, who was Pope from 590 to 604, was the most frequently depicted Eucharistic miracle, especially in Northern Europe, in the 15th and 16th centuries. Typically, Gregory holds his arms out or his hands folded in prayer as a figure of Christ miraculously appears at the altar during the consecration of the Host.  Here, St. Gregory kneels in prayer before an altar on which are placed a Sacramentary, a Host, and a chalice. This piece, one of the oldest works in MMAC's Permanent Collection, was conserved through generous support from the Grizzly Riders and the Chutney Foundation.