Friday, January 23, 2009

European Tapestries Rock Home Decor

By Stacy Mar

Tapestries in Europe were used for decorative purposes and, during winter, for insulation. Later on, there became a sign of nobility. Kings had tapestry for their insignia, emblems, or coat of arms over or behind their thrones. This was considered as symbol for authority.

During the 14th century this textile art form reached new levels in Europe. This was most evident in France, Germany, & Switzerland. Centuries later the main center for tapestry production was Flanders.

The company of artist William Morris, together with designer Edward Burne-Jones, started creating tapestries, medieval style, in the 19th century. Morris and Burne-Jones have created a number of very important tapestries, the designs of which are still being replicated to this day.

Highlighting important events in history and as well as enhancing the arts and literature brought huge popularity to the European tapestries. The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is shown in The Bayeux Tapestry. This is a very popular French work of art, which illustrates when Normandy invaded England.

Two other major European tapestry pieces include "The Hunt of the Unicorn" and "The Lady and the Unicorn." The "Hunt of the Unicorn" is a seven-part tapestry piece about the hunt and the capture of the mythical beast. This series has several underlying themes, although its evident Catholic allusion is the most evident and most accepted.

Morris includes several tapestry pieces on the Arthurian legend of Camelot. This was a stable theme in their European workshop. The most notable work is the quest of the Holy Grail. This tapestry series shows the Knights of the Round Table during their quest for the chalice - used by Christ.

Historical event along with the arts and literature woven into these works of art have made the European tapestries popular around the world today. Morris and other European artists made this possible with their fabulous designs to be reproduced into tapestry masterpieces.

Getting replicas of European tapestry masterpieces is a great way to decorate one's house and at the same time own artistic masterpieces that are otherwise not accessible to the common public. Owning European tapestries is like owning a piece of history. - 20897

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