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, privacy, and covering in castles. And since tapestries are portable, kings and noble men took their tapestry pieces during travels. During the beginning of the Renaissance, tapestries were used during special occasions for decorative purposes. Flanders then was the center of tapestry production in Europe. Unicorns, religion, and chivalry are the common themes of medieval tapestries, as well as historical events that involved war and invasion and the struggle of royalties in a certain kingdom.
Valois tapestries are one of the most popular that depicted middle ages. It is composed of eight scenes showing images of the festivities at the Court of France and owned by Catherine di Medici. They were drawn or illustrated by renowned illustrator Antoine Caron, although there was a second artist who worked on them too. Some believed the other artist was Lucas de Heere, the Flemish poet and painter.
William Morris & Edward Burne-Jones were major figures in the resurrection of medieval tapestries. One of their famous creations is the tapestry depicting The Quest for the Holy Grail. While created during the 19th century, several years after the middle ages, these works have perfectly illustrated the refined beauty that is the best in the craft of making tapestries. Although mass-produced, Morris & Burne-Jones tapestries rival the beauty of the original pieces. This mass production lowered the cost to allow the public to buy these works of art.
Currently, tapestries are used as decorations for the home, restaurants, bars and all matter of public and government buildings and continue to be collected by art enthusiasts. The favorite tapestries, according to collectors, are those woven to tell a story, which is common in the Medieval tapestries. The Bayeux Tapestry & The Hunt of the Unicorn both present a narrative. It is not surprising that many popular tapestry replicas in existence are those with medieval themes.
Medieval tapestries are among the most popular, because of the vast period of time it covers and the themes they’ve produced. From brave knights, kings and queens and the castles to keep them safe, not to mention the men and women as well as mythical creatures they provide educational entertainment in the telling of these fables.
The Medieval tapestry artistic wall hangings are works-of-art and can bring a dull room to life. Not only does the look and style attract the eye in an attractive way, but the a conversation usually pops up readily and easily in the stories of the might, magic and myth of these days long gone. Such creative energy and tales are alive with the brave and courageous knights templar jousting outside the walls of the castle to catch the eye of the fair maidens.
Camelot is romance and excitement filled the castle grounds with action and these days should not be forgotten in the stories for our children. Turn off your TV and have a conversation and story telling time while gazing upon one of these fine classics.