• Address

    Abegg-Stiftung, Werner Abeggstrasse 67, Postfach, CH-3132 Riggisberg, Switzerland, Telephone: 0041 (0)31 808 12 01, Fax: 0041 (0)31 808 12 00, info@abegg-stiftung.ch

    Opening hours

    Permanent and special exhibition

    27 April to 9 November 2025, daily from 2 pm to 5.30 pm

    Villa Abegg

    27 April to 9 November 2025, daily in the afternoon, advance reservation by telephone recommended

    Getting here by car

    Motorway A6, exit Rubigen/Belp, free car park available

    Getting here by public transport

    Regional train to Toffen, postbus from Toffen to Riggisberg

Special Presentation Two Early Modern Wool Embroideries with a Connection to Switzerland
19 September to 9 November 2025

The two objects belong to a small group of wool embroideries from the region of what is now northern and eastern Switzerland dating from the period around 1600. To judge by the coats of arms, the two pieces can be traced back to Schaffhausen and southern Germany. Such embroideries were used as wall hangings, cushion covers, bed valences or table carpets in the homes of the urban elite. They thus afford us an insight into the lives led by what were then the upper classes. At the same time, these textiles with their painterly landscapes and charming details continue to enchant us even today. Press Release | Communiqué de presse

Scenes from the Bible

Scenes from the Bible, such as Abraham receiving a visit from three angels, were very popular.  The embroideries are remarkable for their readily intelligible and detailed retelling of the story. In addition, the virtues of the characters depicted allowed them to be viewed as models for owners themselves. | Hanging with scenes from the story of Abraham, Schaffhausen, 1596, embroidery with wool, cotton, silk and metal threads on a woollen ground, inv. no. 5125

A Variety of Materials

The embroideries were made using an array of different materials: wool, linen, cotton, silk and metal threads. The embroidering was done mainly in self-couching stitch on a ground made of wool or light-coloured bast fibres. | Hanging with scenes from the story of Abraham, Schaffhausen, 1596, embroidery with wool, cotton, silk and metal threads on a woollen ground, inv. no. 5125

Painterly Backgrounds

The biblical scenes are embedded in hilly landscapes rich in water sources and plants that recall the region around Lake Constance. The backgrounds are often enriched with representations of animals. | Wool embroidery showing the Visitation of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth, Schaffhausen or southern Germany, late sixteenth century, inv. no. 924.

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