| The Medieval era is the period in European history | | | | During 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 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. |
| Art flourished and came to embrace Christianity. | | | | Although the original was a wall tapestry high |
| Med ieval art emerged from a blend of Roman | | | | quality prints lose none of the original texture and |
| art and German art, thrown together during the | | | | drama, and make an exceptional addition to any |
| upheavals of the Middle Ages. Its distinct, gothic | | | | décor scheme. |
| look owes much to both its influences, and very | | | | Medieval 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 so | | | | Medieval art is increasingly available as luxury wall |
| striking and, even now, is a serious consideration | | | | tapestries. The woven nature of tapestry art |
| for anyone looking for something unusual and | | | | adds depth and texture to these already |
| striking for their home décor and home | | | | impressive works and makes a distinct alternative |
| accent choices. | | | | to framed art. |
| Medieval Art During the Middle Ages art often | | | | A growing number of Med ieval tapestries are |
| depicted scenes from everyday life, and at times | | | | now 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 in | | | | Medieval work Les Tres Riches Heures (The book |
| work from this time, including mythical beasts, a | | | | of 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 great | | | | day which often included other supplementary |
| dynasties. | | | | texts such as calendars, prayers, psalms and |
| Of particular importance was the emergence of | | | | masses for holy days. |
| religious symbolism; using art as a means to | | | | The original manuscript was painted by three |
| communicate complex metaphysical concepts | | | | brothers, Paul, Hermann and Jean Limbourg from |
| such as love, redemption and forgiveness. Art | | | | Flanders, believed to have been born between |
| rose to the challenge and the sheer breadth of | | | | 1370 and 1380. The work was completed |
| the art produced is one of the main reasons the | | | | between 1412 and 1416. These tapestries depict |
| Gothic style remains an iconic and fundamental | | | | the 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 the | | | | the time of year such as harvesting. |
| Middle Ages as an exciting and unusual addition to | | | | Because wall tapestries are textile based the |
| their home décor options. With many | | | | weave 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 more | | | | best 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 works | | | | considerably to their charm and people can be |
| from the Middle Ages have been reproduced as | | | | quite taken aback at their distinctive nature. |
| prints and posters. Some of the best examples | | | | Something for every taste Nowadays many |
| from history are now available, and are a real | | | | people are looking to Medieval art to add some |
| treasure trove of information as well as a unique | | | | charm 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 (The | | | | posters, prints and wall tapestries, there's never |
| Grape Harvest). Woven in the late 15th century it | | | | been a better time to appreciate these unique |
| was designed to celebrate the annual wine | | | | works of art. |
| harvest and it depicts the peasants gathering the | | | | Copyright © The Tapestry House, all rights |
| grapes for use in wine making. The design includes | | | | reserved. |
| the distinctive Mille Fleurs decoration typical of | | | | This is Free-Reprint article from The Tapestry |
| Medieval art. | | | | House. |