Tapestries: The Religious Background of Unicorn Tapestries

The unicorn has been a mythical symbol since ancient times. Some of the earliest depictions of the unicorn are from ancient China and featured a creature resembling a large horse with a single horn protruding from its forehead. The writings and drawings of many ancient cultures throughout Asia and Europe included unicorns and eventually they evolved into religious symbols.

By the middle ages, the unicorn was considered both a religious and secular symbol by most of Christian Europe. The unicorn represented chastity, holiness, and purity, and was even used as a symbol for Christ. Because of the unicorn’s important symbolism, it was often featured in tapestries and other art of the period. There are even references to unicorns in the bible, although some historians question their inclusion in the Bible because of translations issues. References to unicorns can be seen in Deuteronomy 33:17, Psalm 22:21, 29:6 and 92:10; Numbers 23:22 and 24:8; and Isaiah 34:7. These passages do not infer that the references to unicorns are fictitious or that unicorns are not in fact real animals.

There are many examples of medieval art and tapestries that feature unicorns and once they were accepted as a religious symbol they became very popular subjects. Unicorns represented purity and the myth perpetuated by their holy meaning was that only a virgin could tame a unicorn. Tapestries were common among the aristocracy in the Middle ages and were used as decoration as well as insulation for windows and openings. The most common tapestry designs were biblical allegories including unicorns. One of the most famous sets of tapestries are the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, Created in France in the late 1400’s.

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are perhaps the most famous examples of unicorns in art in the entire world. They were not discovered until late in the 1800’s by Proper Merimee in a castle in Boussac France. They were damaged but were later restored and then put on display in the Cluny Museum in France in a room specially designed to house them. The novelist Georges Sands was responsible for making them so popular and included them in her writings.

It is not known who designed and wove the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, but historians do know who they were created for. The coat of arms on the tapestries belongs to the Le Viste family and the tapestries were probably created for this family in the late 1400’s. Like other tapestries and art depicting unicorns, the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are said to represent the human senses with the subject of the tapestries a virginal maiden and a unicorn. Five of the six tapestries represent the five senses, hearing, tough, taste, feeling, and sight. The sixth tapestry is one that carries some debate as some say it represent love, other think it stands for the “6th sense” while other think it represents understanding or empathy. Unicorns have long been a part of art and folk lore, and are still symbols of holiness and purity today.

Medieval Tapestries - Wine and Feast Wall Tapestries

Vendanges or Les Vendanges tapestries are tapestries that depict the making of the wine in France during medieval times. Les Vendanges can be translated into "The Grape Harvest". The original Vendanges tapestry was woven during the 15th century and is now exhibited in the Cluny Museum in Paris, France. This tapestry depicts the harvesting of grapes by local commoners in a typical festival-like fashion. Many of the tapestries woven today are designed with various color schemes and styles. Some of them with brighter coloring and some with a pastels, however most of these tapestries are based off the original design.

Wine making has been around for centuries and was a popular scene to display for tapestries during the medieval era and still enjoyed today. There are many variations of these tapestries, some showing the making of wine and some showing the making and serving of wine. There are also many popular designs to choose from such as the reproduction of the original “Vendanges” tapestry, “Repas de Vendanges” and “Vendanges au Chateau” to name a few. Most people tend to choose the classic look as it has a more authentic appearance. However, all of these tapestries are beautiful pieces of artwork depicting peaceful medieval times. The scenery in these tapestries is quite stunning and has great color and depth. These tapestries are all priced differently and may come in different sizes depending on which ones you choose.

The highest quality Vandanges tapestries are woven in Europe by distinguished Belgian and French manufacturers. These weavers are able to capture the intricate colors and use high quality materials that produce a stunning effect.

Vendanges tapestries are most popular with those who prefer a historical medieval design in their homes. Grape harvesting tapestries add warmth, charm, and color to classic home décor. Many restaurant owners and wine stores have chosen a Vendanges wall tapestry to display, adding a unique piece of art to their establishments.

Landscape Wall Tapestries - A Popular Choice

Landscape Wall Tapestries - A Popular Choice

Tapestries of beautiful landscapes are one of the most popular of all designs. From grand scenic views to cozy garden scenes, landscape wall tapestries are the one of most chosen designs by home decorators. Most landscape tapestries depict a serene scene. Some with illuminating light from the sun, and some may depict a blustery or rainy day. The goal of the artist is to relay a natural setting, thus creating an eye catching focal point.

In Medieval days, the process of creating a tapestry began with a painter or sketcher who painted or drew the preliminary design often called a cartoon. After the design was complete, weavers extracted dyes from plants and other sources and dyed the threads that would be used in the tapestry. After all the thread was dyed weaving began and it could take up to a month for even a skilled weaver to complete just one half of a square foot. Tapestry weaving was a skill that was passed down from generation to generation. With the invention of the jacquard loom, tapestry weaving became quicker and more practical.

Today famous landscape scene tapestries are created with modern day artists’ work. Many are also created by renown artists such Claude Monet with Gardens at Giverny, plus other impressionistic scenes of flower gardens, flower markets and water views. Francois Boucher combined landscapes with people in his romantic artwork. Modern day artist Robert Pejman enjoys illustrating Italian streets and landscapes with his vibrant and colorful artwork. Plus many more old and new artists have contributed to remarkable landscape scenes. Most recently, Tuscan and vineyard scenes have gripped the art connoisseur, with picturesque Italian scenes. Modern day tapestry manufacturers have taken the art world by storm and taken the artistic expression of famous artists and creating woven masterpieces.

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http://www.touchoftapestry.com