Distinctive Christian visual works having the hortus conclusus (enclosed garden) iconographical theme; best known from the late medieval period through the 17th century, often in female monastic settings. They typically took the form of low-relief panels or assemblages, for example with a central sculpture and elaborate wax flowers, embroidery work. They portrayed the Virgin Mary or other sacred figure surrounded by flowers and plants. They developed in the southern Netherlands, but were found in northwestern Germany and elsewhere.
