| The Medieval period of history saw the blossoming | | | | Museum and used to portray the senses are a |
| of tapestry design into maturity. The Dark Ages was | | | | classical example of medieval work and the |
| characterised by simple designs of animals and birds, | | | | intertwining of mythology. A further example of late |
| whereas the Middle Ages saw real art, design and | | | | medieval tapestry is the Unicorn Tapestries which are |
| beauty emerge in detail. Many designs and cartoons | | | | delicate yet dramatic in design and thought to be an |
| created at that time have retained a timeless | | | | allegorical representation of the capture and death of |
| popularity and remain in vogue even today. | | | | Christ. With detailed floral decoration and mille fleurs |
| The Detail And The Timeless Nature Of Medieval | | | | these two series are classical examples of medieval |
| Tapestry | | | | design that have retained their popularity in the |
| With the emergence of more detailed tapestry | | | | modern world and also demonstrate the skills and |
| design the religious themes proved very popular. | | | | abilities of weavers in Europe at that time. |
| Used by churches to impart messages to the illiterate | | | | Medieval Colour |
| poor these wall hangings were exquisite masterpieces | | | | In the Middle Ages earth tones and plants were used |
| in themselves. Often featuring popular religious figures | | | | for colour. Three plants were known in Europe in the |
| such as Christ, the Virgin Mary these were often | | | | dyeing of material. These were woad, madder and |
| shown in contemporary costume and with an | | | | weld. Madder produced red colouring, weld a yellow |
| imaginative perspective. Faces tended towards stern | | | | colour and woad is known for its blue tincture. When |
| and serious expressions. Perspective developed | | | | mixed these primary colours formed others in the |
| through the Middle Ages as weavers with limited | | | | palette. The three primary colours were used in the |
| drawing skills developed artistic ability and detail. | | | | Lady and Unicorn Tapestries. Colours that required |
| As the Renaissance developed and the Medieval | | | | grinding from stone such as purple were rarely used |
| Period advanced a more scenic and secular view | | | | due to the expense. As craftsmen discovered the |
| emerged in tapestry design. Some are quite | | | | potential of mass production the colouring and |
| spectacular, capturing life as it was at that time. The | | | | material were adapted to reflect profits such as |
| scenes were often crowded with adults, children | | | | eliminating gold and silver material. Borders were |
| were rarely seen. Features of daily life were depicted | | | | popular and often decorated with flora and fauna or |
| such as wine making, falconry and ladies sewing. | | | | with a band telling the story in the tableau. |
| Other subject matter included in a tapestry were | | | | Sometimes the arms of a lord would be incorporated |
| mythological creatures and characters and nature | | | | in to the border as a frame. As the craft developed |
| itself in a burst of verdure. The crowding of scenes | | | | proportion became more accurate and shadows and |
| featured heavily with animals, buildings, people all | | | | anatomical structure more precise in the tapestry. |
| crammed in. The War of Troy by Tournai designer | | | | A Timeless Legacy |
| Pasquier Grenier for example, is completely filled with | | | | Many of the classical styles and designs created in |
| people and vividly portrays the chaos and drama of | | | | Medieval times have retained their popularity in the |
| the battlefield. Like a battlefield, when looking at the | | | | modern world. Scenes of country life and wine |
| tapestry it is hard to know where to look first and | | | | making, of battles and legends have retained their |
| who is friend or foe. Often the person commissioning | | | | appeal. Unicorns continue to delight with their mystical |
| the work would find themselves depicted as a | | | | nature and the classical designs from the Middle Ages |
| character in the tapestry. It was almost as if a | | | | have lasted. Le Bain with its mille fleur background is |
| vibrant energy spun through these exquisite | | | | a well known Medieval tapestry that can still be |
| masterpieces sweeping life itself into their portrayal | | | | found as a wall hanging for the stylish modern home. |
| and forming a discussion piece in a palace or stately | | | | Medieval weavers created a legacy in their tapestry |
| home. | | | | design which portrays daily life as well as form an |
| Animals were popular in medieval designs and were | | | | imagined existence through legend. The appeal of |
| usually dogs, horses and other domestic species. | | | | classical figures as metaphor for the senses or as |
| Sometimes mythological creatures such as the | | | | warriors continues to fire an admiration for tapestry |
| unicorn would feature in tapestry design. The Lady | | | | which has retained its appeal through time. |
| and the Unicorn Panels, now displayed in the Cluny | | | | |