Tapestry of the Angels

tapestry

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July 14, 2026

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The "Tapestry of the Angels" is a medieval tapestry, likely from the early 11th century, woven in the Rhineland region of Germany. This tapestry is characterized by its long and narrow shape, designed to be hung over choir stalls in a cathedral. It depicts scenes from the life of Abraham and St. Michael the Archangel.1

Tapestries, in general, are heavy, decorative cloths often used for wall hangings. While early documents mention figurative tapestries, few pre-Gothic examples survive. The famous Bayeux Tapestry, for instance, is an embroidered hanging, not a woven tapestry.21

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tapestry
Early Middle Ages in western Europe
The Tapestry of the Angels, showing scenes from the life of Abraham and St. Michael the Archangel, and the Tapestry of the Apostles, showing Christ surrounded by his 12 disciples, were both intended to be hung over the cathedral’s choir stalls and therefore are long and…
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The Tapestry of the Angels, showing scenes from the life of Abraham and St. Michael the Archangel, and the Tapestry of the Apostles, showing Christ surrounded by his 12 disciples, were both intended to be hung over the cathedral’s choir stalls and therefore are long and…
Read More