Tapestries Make For Classic Wall Decor
Tapestries are an old form of art, which is said to have been used ever since the Hellenistic period. As a textile art, the tapestry is created by weaving beautiful yarns, chenilles and various threads on a loom. Originally they were woven by hand but now may be reproduced using machines, which dramatically cuts down on the production time.
The art of making Tapestries reached a new level in Europe, with kings and noblemen commissioning artisans to make this textile art for them. Famous Tapestry weavings commissioned by noblemen and royalty include “The Hunt of the Unicorn”, “Lady and the Unicorn” and the Bayeux Tapestry. Today, these world-renowned classics are available through well-made replicas.
The themes and depiction in the tapestries are varied, however a great number are alluding to the Christian motif. Most of these tapestries have the renaissance and the medieval periods as their backdrop. An example of this is the prominence of the battles, power struggles, kings, and knights woven into the fabric. Knights are popular replicas today, as well as tapestries depicting King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. A popular series involves the Knights looking for the mythical Holy Grail, as well as the ladies of Camelot. Unicorn themes are also considered part of the medieval times .
Unicorn depictions in these fine woven goods are probably the most popular among the known textile art in existence. Two popular unicorn classic wall décor hangings are “The Hunt of the Unicorn”, which is a collection of seven tapestries depicting the hunt and the capture of the mythical unicorn, and “The Lady and the Unicorn,” which is composed of six tapestries with the image of a noble lady and a unicorn.
Considered to be one of worlds most prized opuses, “The Lady and the Unicorn” depicts the five senses, plus the sixth sense, which is that of desire. “The Hunt of the Unicorn,” meanwhile, shows the search and capture of the unicorn, with the mythical creature being capturedcaged, yet alive and happyin the end. “The Hunt of the Unicorn” has several Christian undertones, mostly alluding to the Passion of the Cross of Jesus Christ.
Another classic wall décor shows the elaborate Bayeux Tapestry, depicting and narrating the events that lead to the 1066 Norman invasion of England and the invasion itself. While not a real tapestry since it was embroidered, it has been referred to and called a tapestry since. There is a full-size replica of this work of art in the Museum of Reading in England which is 230 feet wide and 20 inches high. The final section of this original is missing. Accurate replicas have been reproduced since 2000.
New weaving techniques have been introduced today. The reproduction of these medieval and renaissance-themed tapestry works of art are not only popular but also surprisingly well-produced and well-made, making them a beautiful addition to any home.
Source: www.buzzle.com