Art Tapestries – Contemporary Works Tuesday, Jul 7 2009

Available from http://www.thetapestryhouse.com

Since ancient times Tapestry Wall hangings have been used to adorn homes and important buildings. Many historians believe Tapestries even covered the walls of the famous Parthenon in Greece. Tapestries have been a favored by the Church, Kings and Queens, noblemen and women throughout the ages. Gracing the walls of cathedrals, castles and the fine homes of the Aristocracy with their elegance. Once reserved for the rich and noble, today we have the opportunity to buy these wonderful, highly decorative, accessories for our own homes. Modern techniques have made Fine Art Tapestries affordable. Therefore, accessible to many people. Fine Art Tapestries add a certain, unique, ambience to a room, creating a mood which is not so easily achieved with paint and canvas.

In times past, Tapestry wall hangings provided insulation and would be transported from one residence to another, even taken into battle. Being practical, as well as beautiful, has ensured these wonderful artistic creations have stood the test of time. Textile art has moved beyond functionality over the centuries, and today, Fine Art Tapestries are decorative, often used to provide a stunning focal point to a room. Tapestry has become an inspiration for many designers and artists, without doubt, developing as a recognized art form, in its own right. Since the beginning of the twenty first century, there has been a marked, renewed, interest in Fine Art Tapestries.

New computer techniques have made recreating the artists original work faster and more accurate. It’s accuracy and flexibility making the production of Fine Art Tapestries appealing to many contemporary artists. In fact, many leading contemporary artists have given permission for their work to be reproduced, as Fine Art Tapestries. This includes the wonderful landscapes of Max Hayslette, and the quirky works of Will Rafuse. Contemporary Fine Art Tapestries offer homeowners a wonderful combination of the past and present. Indeed, contemporary designs are highly popular and there are a vast selection of these Tapestries available.

However, for many people, the historical aspect of Fine Art Tapestries adds to their appeal. Many lovers of art history, will opt for Tapestry reproductions of the most famous artworks ever created. Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, ‘The Mona Lisa’, or Van Gogh’s famous ‘Sunflowers’, being perfect examples. Medieval Tapestries also capture the imagination of historical art lovers everywhere. These Tapestries were created at a time when Kingdoms, Kings, Knights, great battles and mythology ruled the hearts of the people, throughout the western world. The incredible detailing of these Tapestries, and complexity of their narratives, capturing the imagination of those drawn to these timeless legends.

Fine Art Tapestries are true works of art, and have a tactile quality which cannot be found within any other art form. Contemporary Fine Art Tapestries can use a broad range of colors, artists no longer being restricted by the comparatively limited color palettes of times past. Miles of yarn are used to create just one, single, Fine Art Tapestry. It is incredible to imagine, all those years ago, this would have been carried out by hand. Undoubtedly, a true labour of love. Despite the fact, that today we can afford such luxuries, thanks to modern machines and techniques, modern, Fine Art Tapestries do continue to be regarded as works of art. Regardless of whether they be the reproduction of ancient masterpieces, or modern works by contemporary artists. Undoubtedly, the bold colors and modern design of contemporary Fine Art Tapestries successfully deliver this ancient art form into the modern home.

Cityscapes, landscapes, still life and floral compositions are highly desirable themes, especially with regards to contemporary, Fine Art Tapestries. Of course, the classic works, from some of the greatest artists in history, are also available and have always been a popular choice. All art is a matter of personal preference, but today there has never been such a huge and varied selection of contemporary Fine Art Tapestries available. Once you have made your choice, how the Tapestry is hung will be of significant importance, in order to preserve it’s beauty. Fine Art Tapestries should be kept away from direct sunlight, as should any work of art. If your home has modern, plaster walls, it is acceptable to hang them against those walls. Regardless, many people prefer to hang them an inch or two away from the surface. If your walls are of any other material, for instance, stone, especially lime based materials, this is certainly advisable. Looking after your Fine Art Tapestry means it will be enjoyed by you, and your family, for many years to come.

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Tapestries: Medieval Wall Hangings as Home Décor Tuesday, Oct 21 2008

Medieval Unicorn Tapestry (available from http://www.thetapestryhouse.com)

During the Medieval era Art flourished and came to embrace many elements, especially Christianity. Medieval art emerged from a blend of German and Roman art, fused together during the upheavals of the Middle Ages. Its distinct, Gothic look owes much to its origins, and quickly developed along divergent lines setting it apart from other art movements before or since.

One of the most arresting elements of this period was the development of tapestry wall art. Medieval wall hangings, a number of which still exist, were the epitome of expensive, tasteful art during the Middle Ages and continue to delight modern audiences. Because of this even today many modern home décor enthusiasts are looking toward Medieval wall hangings as an answer to their decorating dilemmas.

There are a number of persistent motifs seen in work from the Middle Ages, including sense and perception, mythical beasts, the glory of God and the celebration of great families.

Of particular importance was the emergence of religious subject matter; using art as a means to communicate multifaceted concepts such as love and redemption. Art rose to the challenge and the sheer breadth of the art produced is one of the main reasons it remains an iconic and fundamental pillar of western art.

Now many are looking again at tapestry wall hangings from the Medieval era as an exciting and unusual addition to their home décor options. With many possibilities they are being considered by more and more people looking for something a little different.

A great many famous works from the Middle Ages have been reproduced as modern wall tapestries. Some of the best examples from history are now available and are truly unique pieces of wall art.

A good example is Travailler les laines, or working of the wool, depicting a scene in the Loire Valley during the early 16th century. In medieval times the wool season was an important time of year, typically July after the harvest in June. The scene depicts Thomas Bohier (d. 1524), adviser and minister to Charles VIII supervising peasants.

Although an important and wealthy nobleman like Bohier would not have been involved directly with the supervision of manual labor, it shows the tendency for wall hangings to be used as a means of communication during Medieval times, and work like this is a useful source of information to historians and enthusiasts.

Because of its distinct colors and clear Medieval style it has become a favorite amongst art lovers and the original, dating from 1520, can be found in the Louvre in Paris.

One of the most famous examples from the Middle Ages are the Lady and the Unicorn. They were undiscovered until 1844 and badly damaged by damp, they were bought by The Cluny Museum in Paris in 1853 and restored. They are now displayed in their own room at the museum.

The designer and weavers of the series are unknown but experts estimate they were woven in the late 15th century. It is thought that the series were commissioned by the Le Viste family, of which the head was Jean Le Viste, a nobleman in the court of King Charles VII, as the coat of arms on the standards, including the lion and the unicorn, represented the family.

The decorative floral background of each tapestry is the same. The Mille Fleurs pattern, meaning the thousand flowers is a style commonplace in Medieval wall hangings.

The beautifully woven tapestries use bold colors and intricate detailing. Each wall hanging features the same subjects, a lady and the mythical unicorn. A lion also appears in each scene. However the theme for each is slightly different.

The six tapestries are said to represent the five senses Taste, hearing, sight, smell and touch with the sixth often interpreted as “love”.

One of the most popular is Les Vendanges. Woven in the late 15th century it was designed to celebrate the annual wine harvest and it depicts the peasants gathering the grapes for use in wine making. The design includes the distinctive Mille Fleurs decoration typical of Medieval wall hangings.

During the Middle Ages art was commissioned by the wealthy and tended to reflect dramatic themes and religious symbolism. More rarely work was commissioned to depict everyday scenes, like Les Vendanges, offering a rare glimpse into life during Medieval times.

Like all Medieval wall hangings these works of art demonstrate the artistry and craftsmanship that was in evidence during this time. The vivid colors and striking motifs challenge our ideas about the Middle Ages as a time of plague and morbidity.

Because wall hangings are textile based the weave often helps lift the original work making for a quite dramatic piece of décor. The best quality wall tapestries do an impressive job of not only reproducing the original detail, but add considerably to their charm and people can be quite taken aback at their distinctive nature.

Nowadays many people are looking to Medieval wall hangings to add some charm and history to their home decor. With a vast array of options to choose from, including some of the Middle Ages best surviving works, there’s never been a better time to appreciate these unique works of art.

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