The theme of my challenge is poetry and books inspired by art and/or art inspired by literature.
is for the Lady and the Unicorn
There are 6 tapestries exhibited in Paris called La Dame à la licorne, all of which show a noble lady with a lion and a unicorn. In some there is also a monkey. Five of them represent the five senses and the sixth, A mon seul désir, shown above, which may represent love or understanding. The tapestries were woven, from wool and silk, in Flanders, from drawings made in Paris circa 1500. They bear the arms of Jean Le Viste, a powerful nobleman in the court of King Charles VII. The background to each tapestry is the mille-fleurs design.
In her book published in 2003, Tracy Chevalier gives a possible account of how the tapestries might have been woven and who the model for the virginal lady could be. Weaving her story into the warp and weft of the masterpiece she has created a compelling story. On her website you can read more interesting facts about The Lady and the Unicorn.
You can find a list of all the other A to Z Challengers here.
Tapestries are fascinating and this one looks especially interesting.
Mason
Alex’s Ninja Minion
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Really interesting – I’m off the read the rest of the story at Tracy’s site! That tapestry is so intricate – it makes me wonder how they achieved it so long ago. Leanne @ cresting the hill
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I read this a good few years ago and found it very atmospheric
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Yes, I felt as if I was there.
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That’s a gorgeous tapestry. I’ve not read that book yet but am quite interested now!
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I didn’t know this story or its connection to the artwork. It sounds very interesting.
Susan Says
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