Her Castle TapestryThe origins of the tapestry date back to the Greeks and Phoenicians and were prized for their ability to represent art, culture and history through the ages. Most tapestries were lost forever due to wars, lack of care, and greed for the precious metals woven into them. Due to the nature of tapestries their collectibility, nobility and scholars throughout history have collected and preserved masterpieces of the genre for their beauty and status. Now you can see these works of art in palaces and museums throughout the world. Or you can own a piece of history and culture to savor and preserve for yourself. Here are 20 of history's finest representations of tapestries reproduced for you in a number of sizes and dimensions to add a taste of the old world to your world. These tapestries are of the finest made in the world. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

( Click on Images to see Enlargements )

HAWKING WITH MAXIMILLIAN

A hawking scene, inspired by the Maximillian Hunting scenes from the 16th century, woven in Flanders. Two types of hunting are depicted: the "hawking" exemplified by the rider on the left with his falcon, used for hunting small game; "parforce" on the right, utilizing hounds for the hunt of wild boar or, as depicted here, a stag. 100% wool from Belgium.

The Maximillian Hunting scene is available in many sizes, with an option for the tapestry in it's full design or for either left or right side.

DEPARTURE FOR THE HUNT

The top center of the tapestry border is the Medallion of Aries, signifying the month of March and the first of twelve tapestries designed by Bernard Van Orley (1492-1542) devoted to the chase. That March would signify the beginning of the series lies in the church governed calendar of the time, where by the Feast of Easter was accepted as the first day of the calendar year until 1575. The foreground what are thought to be the hunting parties of Emperor Charles the V and Emperor Maximillion of Austria. Depth is achieved through careful placement of the figures in the foreground by the birch tree and the lone rider in the center, with medieval Brussels in the background. On a hill to the left is the former Ducal Palace and the towers of Saint Jacob de Caudenberg and the Nassau Palace. Visible in the center are the steeple of Saint Nicholas Church and spire of the town hall, with Saint Gudule's Church at the far right. 100% wool from Belgium.

LES QUATRES CHEVALIERS (THE FOUR KNIGHTS)

In this 15th century colorful tapestry, all of history's "gallant knights" are represented. From left to right are Judas Macabee, Artus, Charlemagne and Godefroy de Bouillon. On the streamers one can read: "I conquered Jewish countries and offered my sacrifice to God." (Judas Macabee); "Through power and mercy, I conquered all countries." (Artus); "I established the rule of this earth and I confirmed it through written laws." (Charlemagne); "I conquered the Holy Sepulchre in the manner of a true noble." (Godefroy, Duke of Holland).

In Les Deux Chevaliers, center of scene, Artus and Charlemagne are shown.

DUKE OF BERRY

The Duke of Berry, Jean de France, son of King Jean le Bon, was famous for his exquisitely colored "Book of Hours." He had skilled painters illustrate this book with the happenings during the four seasons. The Duke, of course, was always a prominent part in these renderings, which featured landscapes with castles. Hence, this tapestry is in tribute to him and May, the month of joyful romance. Woven in Halluin stitch of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose in France.

GALLANT SCENE

From an early 15th century tapestry now in the Cluny Museum in Paris. A page offers his Lady some candies while a bird rests on her other hand. Another couple walks with their dog. All the characters are dressed in the Italian fashion which was introduced in France after Charles VII conquered Naples in 1495. The colors of tapestry are striking in their depth and varied nature. Woven in very fine Halluin stitch of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose in France.

NOBLES

The original tapestry, known as "La Noble Amazone," was woven by the Ateliers des Bords de Loire in the 18th century. A noble woman rides sidesaddle, escorted by a young lord. At the top right corner is a woodcutter and at the left is a monkey dressed as a peasant. The "mille fleurs" background is typical of the time and adds to the rustic character of the piece. Woven in France of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose. This scene is available in either a horizontal (H) representation of the whole piece, or the vertical (V) central motif of the noble woman and her escort. Pieces indicated WB (with border) have the same border as shown on "Gallant Scene,"

FISHERMAN'S WHARF

After a design by David Teniers II (1610-1690) from the 17th century. Teniers was a painter to Archduke Leopold-Wilhelm, governor of the Netherlands. His son, David III, imitated his father and also had many works made into tapestries. The patina of the colors gives this tapestry an antique look. Woven in France of 76% wool and 24% cotton.

VICTORY/CAVALIER

Based on a fresco painted by Simone Martini at the Palazzo Publico in Sienna, Italy. The tapestry shows Captain Guido Riccio da Fogliano, Knight of Sienna, as he proudly rides his horse after his victories over the castle of Montemassi and Sassoforte. The date, 1328, is inscribed on the bottom. From Belgium, woven wool.

BAYEUX TAPESTRY

TOP SCENE This is a very small part of the tapestry of Bayeux, also called "Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde" (The tapestry of Queen Mathilde). It was made in the 11th century and can still be seen in Bayeux, France. The original work measures 70 meters in length by 50 centimeters in height. It represents the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.

CENTER SCENE The Norman Fleet. The Latin text reads "Mare transivitad Hastinga" meaning "He crossed the sea and landed near Hastings." Wool

BOTTOM SCENE A ship of the Norman Fleet.

ASTRONOMERS

A group of Medieval astronomers gaze heavenward in this richly colored tapestry. The larger piece is loomed wool; the two smaller versions are 80% cotton and 20% viscose and have a 3" border. All are woven in France

A MON SEUL DESIR

The original circa 1512, is currently on display at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Translated at the top of the tent is "To My Only Desire." This is the only tapestry in the Lady and Unicorn series not devoted to the five senses, and thought to be the only remaining piece from a different set. The Unicorn and Lion appear throughout the tapestries and symbolize purity and strength. Woven in very tight Halluin stitch of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose.

HEARING

The original circa 1512, is currently on display at the Cluny Museum in Paris. Given to Claude le Viste by Jean de Chabanne as an engagement present. The strength of the Lion and the purity of the Unicorn are thought to symbolize the union of marriage. Woven in very tight Halluin stitch of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose in France.

FANTASTIC ANIMALS

The original is on exhibit at the Museum in Basel, Switzerland. Vibrant in color, the tapestry shows from left to right: Boar, Lion, Unicorn, and Stag. The banners are inscribed in Olde German: "Elig bringt Himmels Ion" (Pain brings the reward of heaven); "Got mus al gesharffen hahn" (God must have created all); "Des loven ine Sin trinitat" (Therefore his trinity praises him). Woven of 70% wool, 20% cotton and 10% polyamide from Belgium.

UNICORN IN CAPTIVITY

This tapestry stems from the end of the 15th century, the original being on display at the Cloisters Collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. The unicorn was thought to be a symbol of purity. It is fastened to a pomegranate tree, which symbolized marriage and fertility. One of the most well-known tapestries to Americans, it was originally thought to be part of the "Hunt for the Unicorn" series of tapestries, but it's "mille fleurs" background differs from the rest of the set. Woven of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose in France.

VINTAGE

Originally woven in the second half of the 15th century, it now resides in the Cluny Museum in Paris. The Lord and his Lady are sampling the grape juice of the harvest on the left while others are enjoying the grapes as they are picked from the vines on the right. This tapestry is available in varying sizes of the whole piece or either right or left side, with and without border. Woven of 70% wool, 22% cotton and 8% viscose in France.

98"x66" $3960.00
63"x37"* $2095.00
83"x49"* $3145.00

There are also available smaller, 100% cotton versions of this scene. These all come with a 3" grape vine border.

WINE PICKERS

In this joyful scene, one sees several vineyard workers happily going about their business of "picking wine," or gathering the grape harvest. The fine detail of this piece tends to make the people come alive. It is self-bordered and is made of 100% cotton.

THE DANCE

Part of the famous "Noble Pastorale" series of tapestries woven around 1530. The Dance is an exquisite representation of French originality of the period expressing the graceful art of tapestry weaving.

THE TOURNAMENT

Woven at the end of the 15th century in Brussels for Frederik of Saxon, this tapestry is now in the museum of Valenciennes. The coats of arms in the border are German and the Latin inscription says, "Domine da nobis pacem diebus nostris - Lord give us pease in our days."

LADY WITH A FALCON

This fine and unusual "mille fleurs" tapestry woven on a rose background, dates from the beginning of the 16th century. The original was probably woven in the "Bords de Loire" workshops. It represents a kneeling gentleman offering a heron to his lady. She is holding away the falcon which is perched on her left hand. The original is at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

LES TRES RICHES HEURES

The Very Rich Hours. From the Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry, the original dating to about 1450.

For any questions e-mail: Castle-Tapestry@Renaissance-Faire.Com

Website by Quest Design