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Refurbished Tapestry in the Chancel

Christ's Resurrection and Appearances

While the Sanctuary was in the midst of Phase I of our renovation and restoration program, an opportunity was provided to have the tapestry cleaned. The work was done by the people at the Metropolitan Museum. As it has been reinstalled, we thought it a good time to print a brief description of the work.

Entitled Noli Me Tangere, Christ's words spoken to Mary when she reaches out to him upon his resurrection appearance to her in the garden, the tapestry is an antique FrancoFlemish work (1515 -1520) depicting Christ's Resurrection and Appearances. It serves as a most suitable background to the communion table, the constant reminder of Christ's presence among us in worship. The episodes shown in the tapestry are as follows:

The Resurrection

Christ appears arrayed in a rich garment and carrying the banner of the Resurrection. The soldier guarding the tomb has fallen into a deep sleep (Luke 24:1). From behind the bush, one of his disciples watches the Resurrection.

Noli Me Tangere

Christ appears to Mary Magdalene and says: "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father" (John 20:17).

The Road to Emmaus

On the day of the Resurrection, Christ joins two of His disciples on the road to the village of Emmaus (Luke 24:13).

Supper at Emmaus (Luke 24:30)

The Incredulity of Thomas. After the Resurrection, Christ shows his feet and hands to his disciples. He says to the doubting Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands" (John 20:27).

The tapestry is woven in soft mellowed tones, and at the top, in the branch of the tree, is an heraldic escutcheon, possibly the arms of the family for whom it was woven or the donor who may have presented it to some church. The tapestry is enclosed in a narrow selvage border. Size: 14 feet wide by 6 feet, 2 inches high. Purchased from French and Company.

Thanks to member Alice Craemer for her help in gathering this information. The tapestry will be removed and safely stored during Phase II of the Sanctuary renovations, which is tentatively scheduled to begin April 5, 1999 (the day after Easter of next year).

—Fred Anderson

See also, a description of the restoration work that has been completed in the Sanctuary.