The Lady and the Unicorn
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
2 journalers for this copy...
Bewitching art experts and enthusiasts alike for centuries, the Ladyand the Unicorn tapestries hang today in the Cluny Museum in Paris.
In each, an elegant lady and a unicorn stand or sit on an island of grass surrounded by a rich background of animals and flowers. Little is known about them except that they were woven toward the end of the fifteenth century and bear the coat of arms of a wealthy family from Lyons.
Tracy Chevalier takes readers back to the tapestries' creation, giving life to the men who designed and made them, as well as the wives, daughters, and servants who exercised subtle (and not so subtle) influences over their men. Like the many different strands of wool and silk that were woven together into one cloth, the lives and fates of these people entwine in complex patterns, crisscrossing as they seek desires sensual and spiritual, temporal and eternal.
In each, an elegant lady and a unicorn stand or sit on an island of grass surrounded by a rich background of animals and flowers. Little is known about them except that they were woven toward the end of the fifteenth century and bear the coat of arms of a wealthy family from Lyons.
Tracy Chevalier takes readers back to the tapestries' creation, giving life to the men who designed and made them, as well as the wives, daughters, and servants who exercised subtle (and not so subtle) influences over their men. Like the many different strands of wool and silk that were woven together into one cloth, the lives and fates of these people entwine in complex patterns, crisscrossing as they seek desires sensual and spiritual, temporal and eternal.
Picked up from the Trattorie OCZ when we took alkaline-kiwi to visit today.
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Like Girl With a Pearl Earring, the story of The Lady and the Unicorn is loosely based around the few historical facts known about the creation of a work of art. If you're looking for historical accuracy or art criticism, I'd look somewhere else, but Tracy Chevalier does tell a good story and has an easy, fluid style. A good book to read in one sitting, curled up in front of the fire on a cold winter's evening (can you guess what I spent last night doing?).
Of course, after reading the book, I want to see the tapestries now. I can't quite afford a trip to France right now, but in the meantime, there are reproductions on Chevalier's website.
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Of course, after reading the book, I want to see the tapestries now. I can't quite afford a trip to France right now, but in the meantime, there are reproductions on Chevalier's website.
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Given to awhina at tonight's meetup.
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