| The Medieval era is the period in European history | | | | art. During the Middle Ages art was commissioned |
| from the fall of Rome to the Italian Renaissance; | | | | by the wealthy and tended to reflect dramatic |
| from 476AD to 1450AD. During this time Europe | | | | themes and religious symbolism. More rarely work |
| went through a series of considerable changes, | | | | was commissioned to depict everyday scenes, |
| gradually laying the groundwork for elements of | | | | like Les Vendanges, offering a rare glimpse into |
| the Renaissance and later periods. During this time | | | | life during Medieval times. Although the original was |
| Art flourished and came to embrace Christianity. | | | | a wall tapestry high quality prints lose none of the |
| Medieval art emerged from a blend of Roman art | | | | original texture and drama, and make an |
| and German art, thrown together during the | | | | exceptional addition to any décor scheme. |
| upheavals of the Middle Ages. Its distinct, gothic | | | | Medieval Wall Tapestries Although prints enjoy a |
| look owes much to both its influences, and very | | | | privileged position in home décor popular |
| quickly developed along distinct lines. It is this | | | | Medieval art is increasingly available as luxury wall |
| distinct element to it that makes it so striking and, | | | | tapestries. The woven nature of tapestry art |
| even now, is a serious consideration for anyone | | | | adds depth and texture to these already |
| looking for something unusual and striking for their | | | | impressive works and makes a distinct alternative |
| home décor and home accent choices. | | | | to framed art. A growing number of Medieval |
| Medieval Art During the Middle Ages art often | | | | tapestries are now available. A particularly |
| depicted scenes from everyday life, and at times | | | | impressive example are wall tapestries inspired by |
| was used to illustrate stories, fables and myths. | | | | the illustrated Medieval work Les Tres Riches |
| There are a number of recurring themes seen in | | | | Heures (The book of hours). As the name |
| work from this time, including mythical beasts, a | | | | suggests it was a collection of text for each |
| preoccupation with sense and perception, | | | | liturgical hour of the day which often included |
| glorification of battles and the celebration of great | | | | other supplementary texts such as calendars, |
| dynasties. Of particular importance was the | | | | prayers, psalms and masses for holy days. The |
| emergence of religious symbolism; using art as a | | | | original manuscript was painted by three brothers, |
| means to communicate complex metaphysical | | | | Paul, Hermann and Jean Limbourg from Flanders, |
| concepts such as love, redemption and | | | | believed to have been born between 1370 and |
| forgiveness. Art rose to the challenge and the | | | | 1380. The work was completed between 1412 |
| sheer breadth of the art produced is one of the | | | | and 1416. These tapestries depict the illustration |
| main reasons the Gothic style remains an iconic | | | | from the calendar texts for various months, each |
| and fundamental pillar of western art. Now many | | | | related to an event associated with the time of |
| are looking again at the art of the Middle Ages as | | | | year such as harvesting. Because wall tapestries |
| an exciting and unusual addition to their home | | | | are textile based the weave often helps lift the |
| décor options. With many possibilities, from | | | | original work making for a quite dramatic piece of |
| quality prints to wall tapestries, they are being | | | | décor. The best quality tapestries do an |
| appreciated by more and more people looking for | | | | impressive job of not only reproducing the original |
| something a little different. Medieval Prints A great | | | | detail, but add considerably to their charm and |
| many famous works from the Middle Ages have | | | | people can be quite taken aback at their |
| been reproduced as prints and posters. Some of | | | | distinctive nature. Something for every taste |
| the best examples from history are now available, | | | | Nowadays many people are looking to Medieval |
| and are a real treasure trove of information as | | | | art to add some charm and history to their home |
| well as a unique piece of wall art. One of the | | | | decor. With a vast array of options to choose |
| most popular is Les Vendanges (The Grape | | | | from, including posters, prints and wall tapestries, |
| Harvest). Woven in the late 15th century it was | | | | there's never been a better time to appreciate |
| designed to celebrate the annual wine harvest and | | | | these unique works of art. Copyright © The |
| it depicts the peasants gathering the grapes for | | | | Tapestry House, all rights reserved. This is |
| use in wine making. The design includes the | | | | Free-Reprint article from The Tapestry House. |
| distinctive Mille Fleurs decoration typical of Medieval | | | | |