Medieval Art: A Different Approach to Home Décor

The Medieval era is the period in European historyDuring the Middle Ages art was commissioned by
from the fall of Rome to the Italian Renaissance;the wealthy and tended to reflect dramatic
from 476AD to 1450AD. During this time Europethemes 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 oflike Les Vendanges, offering a rare glimpse into
the Renaissance and later periods. During this timelife during Medieval times.
Art flourished and came to embrace Christianity.Although the original was a wall tapestry high
Med ieval art emerged from a blend of Romanquality prints lose none of the original texture and
art and German art, thrown together during thedrama, and make an exceptional addition to any
upheavals of the Middle Ages. Its distinct, gothicdécor scheme.
look owes much to both its influences, and veryMedieval Wall Tapestries Although prints enjoy a
quickly developed along distinct lines.privileged position in home décor popular
It is this distinct element to it that makes it soMedieval art is increasingly available as luxury wall
striking and, even now, is a serious considerationtapestries. The woven nature of tapestry art
for anyone looking for something unusual andadds depth and texture to these already
striking for their home décor and homeimpressive works and makes a distinct alternative
accent choices.to framed art.
Medieval Art During the Middle Ages art oftenA growing number of Med ieval tapestries are
depicted scenes from everyday life, and at timesnow available. A particularly impressive example
was used to illustrate stories, fables and myths.are wall tapestries inspired by the illustrated
There are a number of recurring themes seen inMedieval work Les Tres Riches Heures (The book
work from this time, including mythical beasts, aof hours). As the name suggests it was a
preoccupation with sense and perception,collection of text for each liturgical hour of the
glorification of battles and the celebration of greatday which often included other supplementary
dynasties.texts such as calendars, prayers, psalms and
Of particular importance was the emergence ofmasses for holy days.
religious symbolism; using art as a means toThe original manuscript was painted by three
communicate complex metaphysical conceptsbrothers, Paul, Hermann and Jean Limbourg from
such as love, redemption and forgiveness. ArtFlanders, believed to have been born between
rose to the challenge and the sheer breadth of1370 and 1380. The work was completed
the art produced is one of the main reasons thebetween 1412 and 1416. These tapestries depict
Gothic style remains an iconic and fundamentalthe illustration from the calendar texts for various
pillar of western art.months, each related to an event associated with
Now many are looking again at the art of thethe time of year such as harvesting.
Middle Ages as an exciting and unusual addition toBecause wall tapestries are textile based the
their home décor options. With manyweave often helps lift the original work making
possibilities, from quality prints to wall tapestries,for a quite dramatic piece of décor. The
they are being appreciated by more and morebest quality tapestries do an impressive job of
people looking for something a little different.not only reproducing the original detail, but add
Medieval Prints A great many famous worksconsiderably to their charm and people can be
from the Middle Ages have been reproduced asquite taken aback at their distinctive nature.
prints and posters. Some of the best examplesSomething for every taste Nowadays many
from history are now available, and are a realpeople are looking to Medieval art to add some
treasure trove of information as well as a uniquecharm and history to their home decor. With a
piece of wall art.vast array of options to choose from, including
One of the most popular is Les Vendanges (Theposters, prints and wall tapestries, there's never
Grape Harvest). Woven in the late 15th century itbeen a better time to appreciate these unique
was designed to celebrate the annual wineworks of art.
harvest and it depicts the peasants gathering theCopyright © The Tapestry House, all rights
grapes for use in wine making. The design includesreserved.
the distinctive Mille Fleurs decoration typical ofThis is Free-Reprint article from The Tapestry
Medieval art.House.