Medieval Tapestries Spanned Over 700 Years

Written by Stacy Mar

Wednesday, 03 December 2008

by StacyMar

A period that spanned for over 700 years, the medieval period is also referred to as the Middle Ages, a time marked by various historical events. It was during the late medieval period when the Renaissance, or the age of cultural advancement, began in Europe. The use of tapestry is also very common during the Middle Ages. In these times, various tapestries-usually the ones with emblems or coat of arms-are hung behind a throne. Tapestries were used as a symbol or sign of authority and were also a sign of prestige. Besides using it for display, tapestries also had practical uses.

Tapestries during the Middle Ages were used for providing insulation of castle walls and privacy "screens". And since tapestries are portable, kings and noble men gathered their tapestry wall hangings during travels and took them with them. During the beginning of the Renaissance, tapestries were used during special occasions for decorative purposes. Flanders was the center of tapestry production in Europe. Hunting scenes, quest of the unicorns, religion, and chivalry were the common themes of medieval tapestries, as well as historical events that involved war and invasion and the struggle of royalties in a certain kingdoms.

The Valois tapestries are popular tapestries that depicted the middle ages. It is composed of 8 tapestries showing images of festivities at the Court of France. Said to be owned by Catherine Di Medici, King Henry II of France's queen consort. Drawn by renowned illustrator Antoine Caron, and there was a second artist who worked on the tapestries. Some thought the second artist was Lucas de Heere, a Flemish poet / painter. Other famous medieval tapestries include the historic Bayeux Tapestry and The Hunt of the Unicorn.

William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones were major figures in the resurrection of medieval tapestry. One of their famous creations is the tapestry depicting the quest of The Holy Grail. Created during the 19th century, several years after the middle ages, their works have perfectly illustrated the beauty that is the craft of making works-of-art and tapestry wall art hangings. Although mass-produced, the tapestries rival the beauty of the original pieces. Mass production also meant the tapestry was no longer as expensive and became more affordable for the public.

Tapestries used as decorations are collected by art enthusiasts. The favorites, according to collectors, are those that narrate a story and that is common for the medieval tapestries. Notables are certainly The Bayeux Tapestry and The Hunt of the Unicorn. It is not surprising that many popular tapestry replicas in existence are those with medieval themes.

Medieval tapestries are among the most popular works of art, because of the vast period of time they cover and the theme it emcompases. Brave knights, noble kings and queens, castles, as well as mythical creatures provide great fun and educational entertainment in telling these fables.

The Medieval tapestry brings attention to the guest in the room simply by the look and style that attract the eye in an attractive way, and a conversation usually pops up easily with the many stories of might, magic and myths. Much creative energy is alive in the tales of the brave and courageous knights templar jousting outside the walls of the castle, trying to catch the eye of a fair maiden, while at the same time trying to win the match.

Our children love and enjoy these romantic and exciting times of Camelot and should not be forgotten in the telling of them to our children. Turn off the TV. Have a conversation and story telling time, while gazing upon one of these Medieval Tapestries that are fine classics in wall decor.

Article Author:

One very old and unique work shows in The Bayeux Tapestry that is 230 feet long and 20 inches high hanging in a museum in Bayeux, France. It's fun to seek classic wall decor when it comes to enhancing your interior decorations in home decor.

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