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Tapestry: Textile Arts, Weaving, Threads, Embroidery And Bayeux Tapestry
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Published: December 6, 2007
Tapestry has been woven into the framework of both historical and decorative art. Whether it is ancient textiles in a museum or the wall hangings in a contemporary home, tapestry is a very versatile form of art. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, tapestry provides another interpretation of history.
Tapestry is an artform in which textiles are woven onto a vertical loom to create an image or pattern. Unlike embroidery where threads are woven into an existing canvas or fabric, tapestry is the creation of the fabric itself. The many patterns featured in this art form give it its great beauty; each is hand-woven so that the warp threads cannot be seen. Tapestry is created by weaving together a variety of materials including cotton, wool, silk, gold, silver, and other substances.
Historically, tapestry has served many purposes. One of the primary functions of these textile arts was to illustrate Bible stories to devout followers that could read. For example, The Apocalypse of St. John is one of the oldest sets of tapestries in existence. Created between 1375 and 1379 in Paris, this collection includes six pieces that measure a staggering total of 471 feet. In addition to providing a religious education to the illiterate masses, this material has also been used for insulation and privacy. Because of the skill and time commitment involved, tapestry became a popular symbol of authority.
In the past, tapestry has featured a multitude of images. Biblical stories, allegories, the world of peasants, and hunting were common themes. Unicorns, as the symbol of purity, were also a traditional art subject. In fact, the Lady and the Unicorn is a famous series created by an estimated 15,000 people during the 15th century. To create this fabric and other textile arts, artists used the dyes from crushed plants and insects.
One of the most significant tapestries to date is the Bayeux Tapesty. This piece of linen embroidery documents the Battle of Hastings, a pivotal event in the Norman Conquest of 1066. On display at the Bayeux in Normandy, France, this 270-foot long artwork contains approximately 50 different scenes and hundreds of characters. Although not a 'true' tapestry, this Bayeux Tapesty has allowed historians to gain a greater understanding of medieval culture.
Although most modern tapestry weaving still requires the same amount of skill as it has in the past, the subject matter has broadened greatly. Where past artist were limited to the colors only found in nature, today's artists have an almost unlimited numbers of shades available. As a result, artists are free to weave any pattern or picture they can.
The versatility of tapestry allows it to be used for both historical and decorative purposes. This form of art gives people the opportunity not only to study the past, but to express themselves in a unique way. Regardless of its purpose, tapestry connects artists to history.
Sources:
'A History of Tapestries.' Tapestry-art.com. 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.tapestry-art.com/history.html.
'History Learning Site.' Historylearningsite.co.uk. 2000-2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/bayeaux_tapes try.htm.
'Tapestry.' HighBeam Research. 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tapestry.html.
'Tapestry.' Wikipedia. 17 Nov 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapestry.
Tapestry is an artform in which textiles are woven onto a vertical loom to create an image or pattern. Unlike embroidery where threads are woven into an existing canvas or fabric, tapestry is the creation of the fabric itself. The many patterns featured in this art form give it its great beauty; each is hand-woven so that the warp threads cannot be seen. Tapestry is created by weaving together a variety of materials including cotton, wool, silk, gold, silver, and other substances.
Historically, tapestry has served many purposes. One of the primary functions of these textile arts was to illustrate Bible stories to devout followers that could read. For example, The Apocalypse of St. John is one of the oldest sets of tapestries in existence. Created between 1375 and 1379 in Paris, this collection includes six pieces that measure a staggering total of 471 feet. In addition to providing a religious education to the illiterate masses, this material has also been used for insulation and privacy. Because of the skill and time commitment involved, tapestry became a popular symbol of authority.
In the past, tapestry has featured a multitude of images. Biblical stories, allegories, the world of peasants, and hunting were common themes. Unicorns, as the symbol of purity, were also a traditional art subject. In fact, the Lady and the Unicorn is a famous series created by an estimated 15,000 people during the 15th century. To create this fabric and other textile arts, artists used the dyes from crushed plants and insects.
One of the most significant tapestries to date is the Bayeux Tapesty. This piece of linen embroidery documents the Battle of Hastings, a pivotal event in the Norman Conquest of 1066. On display at the Bayeux in Normandy, France, this 270-foot long artwork contains approximately 50 different scenes and hundreds of characters. Although not a 'true' tapestry, this Bayeux Tapesty has allowed historians to gain a greater understanding of medieval culture.
Although most modern tapestry weaving still requires the same amount of skill as it has in the past, the subject matter has broadened greatly. Where past artist were limited to the colors only found in nature, today's artists have an almost unlimited numbers of shades available. As a result, artists are free to weave any pattern or picture they can.
The versatility of tapestry allows it to be used for both historical and decorative purposes. This form of art gives people the opportunity not only to study the past, but to express themselves in a unique way. Regardless of its purpose, tapestry connects artists to history.
Sources:
'A History of Tapestries.' Tapestry-art.com. 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.tapestry-art.com/history.html.
'History Learning Site.' Historylearningsite.co.uk. 2000-2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/bayeaux_tapes try.htm.
'Tapestry.' HighBeam Research. 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-tapestry.html.
'Tapestry.' Wikipedia. 17 Nov 2007. 29 Nov 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapestry.
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