1 / 7 The Start of the Hunt, 1495–1505. Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts. Image via publicdomainreview.org 2 / 7 The Unicorn Purifies Water, 1495–1505. Image via publicdomainreview.org 3 / 7 The Unicorn Attacked, 1495–1505. Image via publicdomainreview.org 4 / 7 The Unicorn Defends Himself, 1495–1505. Image via publicdomainreview.org 5 / 7 The Unicorn Captured by the Virgin, 1495–1505. Image via publicdomainreview.org 6 / 7 The Unicorn is Killed & Brought to the Castle, 1495–1505. Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts. Image via publicdomainreview.org 7 / 7 The Unicorn in Captivity, 1495–1505. Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts. Image via publicdomainreview.org

The Hunt of the Unicorn

July 14th, 2022 | muse

This week I've been exploring the mysterious Unicorn Tapestries.

I have found myself obsessively researching them, hypnotised by their beauty and instantly transported to the magical world of the unicorn.

It is said to be one of the most important artworks surviving from the Middle Ages, about which much remains unknown - including the exact origins of the tapestries, the designer & craftsman who produced the masterpieces, their intended recipient(s) & ultimately, the true story told through the superbly woven threads.

During the Medieval period the mythological unicorn was a symbol of Christianity, love, fertility, immortality, marriage and wisdom. Historians have had many theories about the symbolism of The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries. I personally believe it is to the eye of the beholder.

Click here to watch a short clip from the 1974 exhibition "Masterpieces of Tapestry" at the MET Museum which recounts the tale depicted in the works & the symbolic meaning of the mystical unicorn.

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Kalaurie

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The Hunt of the Unicorn

Kalaurie Muse