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Cluny Tapestries, Cross Stitch Booklet, By Dimensions, Book One, 80's

Cluny Tapestries, Cross Stitch Booklet, By Dimensions, Book One, 80's

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Title Cluny Tapestries

Description

The world-famous unicorn tapestries, including the two in this book, are shown in the Cluny Museum in France. These magnificent tapestries were woven in Belgium in the 15th century. Each tapestry features the central figure of a noble woman being attended by a lion, representing strength, and a unicorn, representing purity. Five of the tapestries relate to the Senses: Taste, Touch, Smell, Hearing, and Sight. The sixth tapestry is titled 'My One Desire.'"

 Publisher Dimensions
 Year  1987
 Number of Pages 8
 Notes

You can see the original tapestry at the museum here The Lady and the unicorn I Musée de Cluny  

Extract from museum, "Touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight... These six tapestries, woven in around 1500, represent the five senses against a detailed red background.

The remaining sixth sense, explained only by the inscription “À mon seul désir” (To my only desire), has inspired countless theories. Without excluding a possible meaning in the register of courtly love, it could be a reference to free will: the woman with her decorative headdress and refined clothing, renouncing temporal pleasures.

These “millefleurs” (“thousand flowers”) tapestries are characterized by an abundance of flora, including flowers, orange trees, pines, hollies and oaks, and are inhabited by a peaceable bestiary (a monkey, dogs, rabbits and a heron).  In this idyllic natural setting conducive to contemplation, the unicorn by turns a participant and a simple spectator. Accompanied by a lion, it sports the coat of arms of the Le Viste family in every scene.

The Lady and the Unicorn wall-hanging was acquired in 1882. It is now considered one of the great masterpieces of Western art".  

Reference The Lady and the unicorn I Musée de Cluny

Condition

good, preloved

 

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