The Beauty of Medieval Tapestries

By Stacy Mar

In a span of over 700 years, the medieval era is also referred to as the Middle Ages, a time marked by various historical events. It was during the late medieval times when the Renaissance, or the age of cultural advancement, began in Europe. The use of tapestry wall hangings 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 the throne. Wall art was also used as a symbol or sign of authority and a sign of prestige. Besides decoration and 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.

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 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, because of the vast period of time it covers and the themes it emcompases. From brave knights and noble kings and queens and the castles that keep them safe, to the men and women as well as mythical creatures they provide great fun and educational entertainment in the telling of these fables.

The Medieval Art Tapestry wall hangings are works-of-art and can bring a common room to life. Not only does the style and colors attract the eye in an attractive way, but the a conversation usually follows. Who can resist the telling of might, magic and myth of these days long gone.

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. - 20759

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment