(3 of 8) The Decalogue Panel in Schwabach
Tapestry with yellow letters on a black background by Michel de Claravaux, born in Aubusson in 1646, died in Regensburg in 1688
The decalogue tapestry hangs on the left side of the pulpit in the French Reformed church in Boxlohe in Schwabach which was built in 1686/87. The panel is divided into two columns with the Commandments 1- 4 on the left and 5 to 10 on the right. The Preface "Listen Israel ..." is at the top left and Jesus's Commandment to love one's neighbour from St. Matthew XXII, verse 37 comes after the Commandments 5 to 10. Jahwe, the Old Testament name for God, is worked into the centre of the panel above the Commandments in Hebrew letters.
A second tapestry to the right of the pulpit has the Lord's Prayer and words from the New Testament on the left and the Confession of Faith on the right. Underneath is a text in French from Philippians I, verse 29: "For unto you it is given on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake", referring to the Confession of Faith and the fate of the Huguenots. Another Bible quotation is taken from the Gospel of St. John, 1, 5 and 6. At the top at the centre above the two columns are the letters IHS for Jesus.The second tapestry is signed at the bottom: M DECLARAVAUX LT IP IS(?).
The Schwabach decalogue tapestry has a repair note at the bottom right: REPARE 1738 IP SM DP PD © Reformed congregation Schwabach |
