| Legends and mythology form the backdrop to cultures, | | | | environment. |
| literature and traditions in the world today and have | | | | Legendary Creatures and Magical Beasts |
| been a popular theme in tapestry design. Mythology | | | | Mythological creatures have been a popular feature of |
| may appear as an illustration of the story itself or as a | | | | tapestries with the Unicorn being one of the more |
| metaphorical projection as part of a painting and | | | | prominent. Medieval tapestries such as the Lady and |
| message behind a picture. These stories have stood | | | | the Unicorn have used this legendary creature to |
| the test of time and retain their appeal today. | | | | create a series of panels depicting the senses. Simple |
| The Drama of the Greek Legends | | | | and classical designs but giving a mysterious edge, |
| Of all the mythological legends transposed to tapestry | | | | even as to the origin of this work add a cryptic touch |
| design the Greek ones are the most prominent and | | | | to the myth behind this famous tapestry, almost leaving |
| feature in a variety of styles and settings, immortalised | | | | the observer guessing the message behind each |
| in wall hangings. Some have been reproduced from | | | | scene. The Unicorn series focuses on the legend of |
| original artistic paintings whilst others have been | | | | purity surrounding the unicorn and the imagery that |
| formed as an original tapestry design. The legend of | | | | unicorns were once thought to be a representation of |
| Diana the Huntress is one of the more prominent | | | | Christ. This popular figure in medieval times continues |
| figures in Greek mythology and was depicted in an | | | | to be appreciated in modern tapestry and still exudes |
| eighteenth century series by the Gobelins Factory titled | | | | an air of mystery to this day. |
| Portiere des Dieux or the Gateway to the Gods. Each | | | | Arthurian legend |
| panel represented the four seasons with Diana | | | | Central to British heritage was the legend of King |
| appearing resplendent amongst nature. | | | | Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. This |
| Pomona and Vertumnus is another Greek legend | | | | captivating story proved popular in tapestry and was |
| captured in a tapestry series to represent the many | | | | immortalised in the Holy Grail Series by William Morris. |
| disguises of Vertumnus, the god of changing seasons | | | | Entwined with angels, closed doors and an air of |
| as he wooed Pomona. The original Brussels tapestry | | | | mystery the Holy Grail continues to capture the |
| was an exquisite design series by Jan Cornelisz with a | | | | imagination of those who seek it. The knights and their |
| magnificently detailed garden and elaborate greenery. | | | | quest in finding this mysterious and elusive piece is |
| Originally from Ovid's Metamorphoses this striking myth | | | | beautifully captured in exquisite detail and in the |
| is captured in the beauty of the needlecraft and | | | | expressions of some of the characters depicted, and |
| workmanship and transposed through tapestry. | | | | ensures Arthurian tales continue to thrill with the legend |
| Just as frescoes of gods appeared in ancient temples | | | | surrounding the Grail. It is a rich combination of valour, |
| so the elaborate and detailed tapestries depicting the | | | | chivalry and a mysterious legend that remains |
| classical mythology of Greece and Rome emerged on | | | | unsolved to this day. |
| castle and palace walls and in homes of wealthy | | | | The Timeless Appeal of Mythology |
| noblemen. The enduring nature of legend has made | | | | Legends and Mythologies are as old as time itself and |
| this form of tapestry design a classical and tasteful | | | | continue to retain their popularity. Pyramus and Thisbe |
| form of furnishing. The Triumph of Apollo was | | | | found themselves immortalised in the Shakespearean |
| designed by Bernard van Orly, a Flemish painter and | | | | tragedy Rome and Juliet, and also in a Parisian |
| created into a series of tapestries themed with the | | | | tapestry creation in the Gobelin style. These are the |
| god of music and poetry. Developed in a classical style | | | | classical tales that pass from generation to generation |
| and with the muses surrounding Apollo this is a piece | | | | and continue to enchant with mystery and imagery. |
| designed for the grand palaces of Europe and exudes | | | | Tapestries have been designed for many years with |
| joy and harmony through the depth of colour and style | | | | mythological themes and stories sewn into the fabric, |
| of the tapestry hanging. Elaborate decoration in the | | | | bursting with joy and captivating admirers. From the |
| design gives an air of another more heavenly world, | | | | Ancient Gods of Greece to Unicorns and legends the |
| the world of legend and myth and the characters | | | | very nature of mythology will ensure the themes and |
| themselves appear to be in another dreamlike | | | | characters continue to feature in the decorative arts. |