Creation of the Tapestries
In 1638, Louis XIII consecrated France to the Virgin Mary. Through his vow, he committed to building a new altar adorned with a painting by Philippe de Champaigne (The Vow of Louis XIII, Louvre Museum). To join the king’s initiative, Cardinal Richelieu, the prime minister, offered a set of tapestries depicting the life of the Virgin. In 1657, the weaving workshop of Pierre Damour completed the entire series of tapestries, woven from wool and silk. It includes fourteen scenes that adorned the choir of the cathedral during major religious festivals. Three renowned painters of that time designed the tapestry cartoons: Philippe de Champaigne, Jacques Stella, and Charles Poerson.
Exhibition at Strasbourg Cathedral
During the renovation of the cathedral choir, completed in 1717, tastes evolved. The tapestries were not re-hung but instead displayed in various Parisian churches. In 1739, the chapter of Strasbourg Cathedral purchased the entire set. Since then, they have been hung in the nave of the cathedral every December, during Advent and the Christmas season.
History of the Life of the Virgin
The themes illustrated are:
- The Birth of the Virgin
- The Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple
- The Marriage of the Virgin
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity
- The Adoration of the Magi
- The Purification of the Virgin
- The Flight into Egypt
- Jesus Among the Doctors of the Law
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Dormition of the Virgin
- The Assumption of the Virgin
- The Coronation of the Virgin
