Canterbury Cathedral Stained Glass

Adam delving. This is the oldest (c.1174 AD) and most famous of 43 surviving panels of the Ancestors of Christ dating from the late 12th century and originally placed in the clerestory. Adam is now in the central light in the bottom row of the west window.

Adam is shown in primitive attire, a fleece loincloth, and digging the soil after the Fall. The scene thus recalls the original sin, but its context elevates Adam to a position of equality and relationship with Christ, just like the rest of humanity.

This panel was executed by the "Methuselah Master," one of the major artists employed at Canterbury Cathedral after the fire of 1174. His portraits are characterized by a monumentality inspired by antique sculpture, yet with a humanity and warmth.