Tapestry - From Homer to Home Décor

Tapestries have decorated homes since the ancient Greeks, when the most affluent members of society would adorn their walls with these intricate hand woven displays. It is even believed that the famous Parthenon was indeed, enriched by Tapestry Art. When Homer wrote the famous Odyssey, in 800 BC, his story was depicted by Tapestries to the ancient Greeks. Metamorphoses, the two hundred and fifty myths written by Ovid, was also depicted through Tapestry to the Romans, he himself being highly influential upon art and literature in the West. Throughout Rome and Greece, tapestries were used to recount the stories of some of the most famous scribes. When it comes to literary expression, they are considered one of the most successful and uniquely expressive art forms in the world.

Woven Art was never restricted to wall hangings; in many cultures it was considered a way to demonstrate social status on clothing. Intricate weaving signified the higher echelons, whilst certain symbols and colours would also indicate rank, or positions within society. Despite this, by definition, Tapestries are woven wall hangings. Throughout the middle ages and the ‘Hundred Year War’ (1337 - 1453) the French capital of Paris was revered as the most influential Tapestry producer in the West. In 1476, the famous Bayeux Tapestry was hung in the Cathedral there. More than seventy metres long, it vividly records the Norman Conquests over England. Not only is it an incredible work of art, it is also considered of great historical importance. Despite France being highly influential producers, with all the unrest during the war, few Tapestries actually survived. Many artists also left France, moving North into Holland and Belgium.

The Hunt of The Unicorn is a famous collection of seven Franco Flemish Tapestries, from this period. Historical records suggest Anne of Brittany originally commissioned them, in celebration of her betrothal to the French King, Charles VIII. The Unicorn Tapestries took ten years to produce (1495 -1505) and there has been much speculation as to their true meaning. In 1922, the now infamous John Rockefeller, purchased the collection from the La Rochefoucauld family of France, who previously owned them for hundreds of years. He paid a million dollars for the collection. Yet only fifteen years later, in 1937, gave them to New York’s Metropolitan Museum, where they remain on display today.

“La Dame à la licorne”, or The Lady and The Unicorn as it is known today, is a similar collection of highly regarded Franco Flemish Tapestries. They are considered to be one of the most significant works of art produced in Europe, during the Middle Ages. The six Tapestries were commissioned in the late fifteenth century by Jean Le Viste, a nobleman and consort of King Charles VII. Where the Unicorn and The Hunter depicts noblemen in pursuit of a Unicorn, each of these works depicts a woman of nobility, with a lion to her right, and a unicorn to her left. Both Tapestries are believed to represent love. The Unicorn symbolises the animal which only the Virgin Lady can tame. They were found in 1841, by the famous novelist Prosper Mérimée, stored away in Boussac Castle. Today, “La Dame à la licorne” is displayed in the Musée de Cluny, in the French Capital.

In recent times, we have seen a definite rise in interest for Tapestry Wall Hangings and there is a large, impressive range available. People are also becoming more tactile, with regards to their choices in home décor. Tapestries have always been considered a leading art form, and today several contemporary artists have approved licences’ to reproduce their works in this unique way. Contemporary or traditional, the depths and textures which can be achieved always create something distinctive and impressive; a skilled weaver having the ability to create virtually any design. Unlike yesteryears, artists are free to work from a huge range of subjects. From idyllic landscapes to modern abstract, a new dimension is being added to the lively imagery contemporary art often provides. Tapestries are no longer reserved for Royalty and Noblemen, or the walls of Castles and Cathedrals. Today, we can enjoy these amazing creations in our own homes, and they are, without doubt, as incredible and intriguing to us as they’ve always been. In a modern world Tapestry still has its place, and that could be in the museum, or over the fireplace!

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