The Ceiling Paintings in the Creation Vault

The Creation Vault in the east nave

The choir vault illustrates the first article of faith. In the background above the altar, Christ emerges in the universe. From his outstretched arms, two seraphim descend towards the earth, one on each side. One bears the cross, the instrument of suffering, and the other bears the dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit’s peace.

Christ in creation. The background field in the ceiling painting of the Creation Vault in the choir, the eastern nave of the church

On the left side of the vault, the cross side, the scenes depicted are:

• The Expulsion from Paradise

• The Flood

• The Tower of Babel

• The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

On the right side, the dove side, we see:

• The Meeting between Abraham and King Melchizedek

• Moses leading Israel through the Red Sea

• Moses receiving the tablets of the law

• The Prophet Elijah being taken to heaven in a chariot of fire

These eight Old Testament scenes depict two distinct narratives and simultaneously form corresponding pairs: On the cross side, the connection with the divine source is broken, and humanity is tested. On the dove side, the connection is maintained and the tests are passed.

Beklager, men vi kan ikke finne din posisjon pga instillingene i nettleseren din. Du må tillate autolokasjon for å kunne benytte denne funksjonaliteten: