The large-format tapestries tell of paradise and the consequences of the fall of man
The Cathedral tapestries are not widely known. In recent years, they have been only very rarely displayed as exclusive decoration for ceremonial events in the Cathedral nave, though not at eye-level.
The story of Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel is told in the six magnificent tapestries, woven in wools and silks, from the Brussels workshop of Jan Aerts (active 1614–1635), produced following earlier designs by the painter Michiel Coxcie (1499–1592). It is still not certain when they came to the Cathedral or who donated them.
Brussels workshop, God leads Adam into Paradise (detail), 2nd half of 17th c.
Dommuseum, Salzburg
The exhibition in the North Oratory offers a unique opportunity to view the entire ensemble in detail from close-up. The exhibition catalogue is the first publication on the Cathedral tapestries with extensive pictorial material.
The exhibition is accompanied by the catalogue ‘Paradise Lost. The Salzburg Cathedral tapestries’ is available in the DomQuartier Shop.