LINING OF THE CLOAK

LINING OF THE CLOAK OF ROGER II, KING OF SICILY– DATED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THE 12^TH CENTURY– KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM, VIENNA

 The lining of Roger II’s cloak is an example of the decorative richness of the silky fabrics woven inSicily by Arab artisans of the Royal Factory.

The large pattern motifs in this scene portray the Original Sin, but Adam and Eve are richly dressed and the image of the satanic serpent jutting out from the branches of the Tree of Good and Evil is not easily recognized, as it is supplied with ears and is repeated three times.