Full of mystique and beauty, the Lady and the Unicorn series are among the best examples of medieval tapestry in existence. Many interpretations have been put forward through the ages, but there is no definite explanation as to the mystery behind the Lady and the Unicorn.
Dramatic Medieval Art
Each tapestry in this striking series shows a unicorn interacting with a woman in some way with the unicorn representing the six human senses in some way. These are sight, smell, touch, sound, taste and love.
Throughout history unicorns have been a mysterious force and have been considered a representation of Christ. Many people believe in unicorns, although their existence has never been proven. Unicorns are said to possess magical powers, and the Chinese believed the rare sighting of this creature signalled good fortune ahead. The horn is considered particularly magical with an ability to recognise and neutralise poisons with an antidote. During the medieval era the unicorn was linked to Christianity. According to legend it could only be tamed by the scent of a virgin.
The Lady: elegance and tranquillity
Unicorns were only attracted to purity and being connected with Christ and his spiritual integrity meant that only a woman with virginal attributes could be linked with the creature. The tapestries have been interpreted in several different ways. One belief is that they are a representation of the Virgin Mary with Christ. Another suggests the representation of a woman embracing the spiritual world by renouncing the physical one. These tapestries in their own classical and elegant way have widespread appeal, perhaps because of their pure and spiritual nature. People need to feel that which is good and these tapestries give the impression that good will prevail over evil.
The origins of the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries
Originally the tapestries were made for a French nobleman, Jean Le Viste during the 15th century. The family coat of arms is visible in the tapestry serves. What is less clear is who designed the work, which family member they were intended for and how they came into existence.
Based on the style of the clothing in the tapestries it is thought the tapestries come from the late fifteenth century, and possibly designed for Jean le Viste himself in celebration of his promotion to the French Court in 1489.
When Le Viste died the tapestries were probably passed on through family connections, although the exact whereabouts was unknown for 200 years. In 1841 they were discovered by a member of the French government who recommended the purchase of this magnificent work of art. Following restorative work and a purchase for the nation the government donated them to the Cluny Museum where they can be seen today.
The mystique of the tapestry
The origins of the tapestry remain a mystery to this day, with interpretation based on clues within the art itself. Perhaps the mystique of the work combined with elegance and purity affirms the appeal of these timeless pieces.
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