The Lady and The Unicorn Tapestries: Their Hidden Meanings

If you enjoy the medieval times so much that you want to find some décor for your home in that period, then you might consider ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ tapestry series.

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are more known for their wonderful display of senses; smell, sight, sound, touch and taste. There are really six different parts that at one point were thought to be intertwined in Flanders of the early 16th century. You can also find a ‘clue’ by viewing the background of their ‘mille-fleurs’ tapestry.

You might be surprised to know they are continued to be used as wall décor today and there is a good reason for that. We’ll explore some history on this unique tapestry series in order to better understand how they are still able to capture our imaginations.

The tapestry series together is known as ‘Dame a la Licorne’ but the individual tapestry meanings remain a mystery.

Known collectively as 'Dame a la Licorne', the meanings of the tapestries are shrouded in mystery. The works of Taste, Touch, Smell, Sound and Sight are joined by the work 'A Mon Seul Desir' which means 'With My Only Desire.' Some interpret 'The Lady and the Unicorn' series to be the Virgin Mary as she renounces the physical world of the five senses for the spiritual world.

Though the origins of the series are still unclear, it is thought that the work was originally commissioned by Jean Le Viste to commemorate his ascension to the royal court of King Louis XI. Each of the tapestries includes the family crest somewhere in the scene, either on a flag, a banner or a pennant.

Today, all six tapestries continue to be sought after as wall decor, to bring the various scenes of the 'Lady and the Unicorn' to the home. Collectors and lovers of medieval wall decor seek out this particular series of tapestries, not only as it is medieval in period, but the fact that it's also shrouded in mystery. Its interpretation is still partly up to the viewer.

This is part of the appeal of the 'The Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries. But in any case, each is a true work of art and tells a magnificent story.

'A Mon Seul Desir' features the lady with her lady in waiting. She is seen placing her jeweled necklace into a jewelry box. It is believed to represent the rejection of temptation and self-denial. On the other hand, when translated to 'My heart's only desire' this scene could instead represent her show of love for her husband in waiting.

'Smell' shows the lady weaving a necklace of scented flowers while 'Touch' depicts here petting a unicorn. 'Hearing' depicts the lady playing a pipe organ, while 'Sight' shows the lady viewing her reflection in the mirror. In 'Taste', the lady is tasting candy from her maidservant's dish.

These representations of the 5 senses have been thought to represent our worldly desires, which complement the sense of 'love' in the 6th tapestry. But if you interpret the 6th tapestry as meaning the denial of worldly desires for the spiritual, then the 5 senses in fact are in contrast to this.

How were these tapestries discovered in recent history? The tapestries were handed down from one family to another for centuries after Jean Le Viste's death. Today, after having been bought by the French government, are housed in at Paris' Musee National du Moyage Age in an oval room that was built especially for them.

So in conclusion, it's the shrouded meanings, together with their appeal as pieces of art that have made these works well known throughout history and to this modern day. Whether unicorns were imaginary creatures of not was not the main point. What continues to intrigue us is the various meanings that these works can represent. And this keeps us guessing as to the real meaning behind these works.

Looking for elegant wall decor? Then see this range of Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and medieval wall hangings that will enchant you. Tom Matherson writes for Worldwide Tapestries which offers a wide collection of large tapestry wall art and large wall hangings to suit any home decor.