Tapestries from the “Stories of the Trojan War”, created in the Netherlands, sold at auction
Among the most famous of all time are the stunning voluminous tapestries of France. They were woven for the French kings Louis XI and Charles VIII. Although the tapestries have varied subject matter, they all share some common characteristics. The first one is the ‘Story of Gideon,’ which was commissioned by Philip the Good in 1452 to mark the installation of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Two weavers from Tournai finished the piece between 1453 and 1457. The ‘History of Clovis’ was based on cartoons by Baudoin du Bailleul. The ‘Story of Gideon’ is said to be one of the richest tapestries ever to adorn a royal court.
The tapestries of ‘The Story of the Trojan War’ are based on a composite cartoon of the famous battle. They were woven in the southern Netherlands and gifted to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. The legends of the Trojans had a particular appeal to the Burgundy Dukes, who believed that the last king of Troy, Priam, was their ancestor. These tapestries were sold throughout Europe, and the French government purchased the majority of the production.
Another stunning voluminous tapestry of France is the “Story of the Swan Knight.” This is a story about a knight who defeated a unicorn. The lion was the first to slay a unicorn. The horn was believed to purify people who held magic. In addition to illustrating historical events, this tapestry was also used as a way to spread Christian beliefs. These beautiful pieces of art are a must-have for any interior decoration.
The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are based on a composite cartoon. They were woven in the southern Netherlands as a gift for Charles the Bold, the Duke of Burgundy. The tale of the Trojans was popular with the Burgundy Dukes, who were particularly fond of the legends. They believed that the last king of Troy, Priam, was their ancestor.
The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries of France were originally stored in Boussac Castle for a few centuries, where they suffered from dampness and rats. In 1882, George Sand brought the tapestries to the attention of the public through his Jeanne novel. They are now on display at the Musee du Moyen-Age in Paris. The Lady and the Unicorn series were woven over a century later.
The ‘The Story of the Trojan War’ tapestries were woven based on a composite cartoon. These tapestries were made for the king of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, who was fond of the legends. He reclaimed the territory and built a city. In ‘The Story of the Trojan War’, the two men battled in a small town and fought for their lives.
Despite their large size, tapestries were still relatively inexpensive and were once considered the most expensive art form in Europe. They could span ten yards in length and five yards in width, and were woven by a father and son team. In addition to being expensive, these magnificent voluminous tapestries were extremely laborious to weave. The majority of the time, they were made by skilled women and exported throughout Europe.
The tapestries of France have become a symbol of love
A Mon Seul Desir tapestry, a beautiful example of a famous French series, is one of the most voluminous and beautiful. It is often interpreted as a metaphor for love. The Maid, who pumps a bellows, and the organist, who plays the organ, are all symbolic elements of this work. These incredibly detailed and voluminous tapestries are a great way to showcase the history of a country.
Despite their immense size, tapestries were not usually used in religious settings, but they were popular as gifts. In the 19th century, a tapestry depicting the Trojan War was created in France. In the early eighteenth century, this beautiful work was first displayed in the Royal Palace of Burgundy. The Burgundy Dukes found the story of Troy appealing. And the duchess insisted that the last king, Priam, was their ancestor.
The earliest tapestries of this period were made in France. The Arras and Tournai areas are famous for their voluminous tapestries, and they have continued the tradition of this art form into the modern day. During the medieval times, the voluminous tapestries were made in different styles. In fact, they were widely admired in aristocratic homes. The style was still popular even in the contemporary world.