Tapestry Design Mythology
Tapestry Designs: Legends & Mythology
By Angela Dawson-Field
Mar 2, 2009
Legends and mythology form the backdrop to cultures, literature and traditions in the world today and have been a popular theme in tapestry design. Mythology may appear as an illustration of the story itself or as a metaphorical projection as part of a painting and message behind a picture. These stories have stood the test of time and retain their appeal today.
The Drama of the Greek Legends
Of all the mythological legends transposed to tapestry design the Greek ones are the most prominent and feature in a variety of styles and settings, immortalised in wall hangings. Some have been reproduced from original artistic paintings whilst others have been formed as an original …show more content…
The enduring nature of legend has made this form of tapestry design a classical and tasteful form of furnishing. The Triumph of Apollo was designed by Bernard van Orly, a Flemish painter and created into a series of tapestries themed with the god of music and poetry. Developed in a classical style and with the muses surrounding Apollo this is a piece designed for the grand palaces of Europe and exudes joy and harmony through the depth of colour and style of the tapestry hanging. Elaborate decoration in the design gives an air of another more heavenly world, the world of legend and myth and the characters themselves appear to be in another dreamlike …show more content…
This captivating story proved popular in tapestry and was immortalised in the Holy Grail Series by William Morris. Entwined with angels, closed doors and an air of mystery the Holy Grail continues to capture the imagination of those who seek it. The knights and their quest in finding this mysterious and elusive piece is beautifully captured in exquisite detail and in the expressions of some of the characters depicted, and ensures Arthurian tales continue to thrill with the legend surrounding the Grail. It is a rich combination of valour, chivalry and a mysterious legend that remains unsolved to this
By Angela Dawson-Field
Mar 2, 2009
Legends and mythology form the backdrop to cultures, literature and traditions in the world today and have been a popular theme in tapestry design. Mythology may appear as an illustration of the story itself or as a metaphorical projection as part of a painting and message behind a picture. These stories have stood the test of time and retain their appeal today.
The Drama of the Greek Legends
Of all the mythological legends transposed to tapestry design the Greek ones are the most prominent and feature in a variety of styles and settings, immortalised in wall hangings. Some have been reproduced from original artistic paintings whilst others have been formed as an original …show more content…
The enduring nature of legend has made this form of tapestry design a classical and tasteful form of furnishing. The Triumph of Apollo was designed by Bernard van Orly, a Flemish painter and created into a series of tapestries themed with the god of music and poetry. Developed in a classical style and with the muses surrounding Apollo this is a piece designed for the grand palaces of Europe and exudes joy and harmony through the depth of colour and style of the tapestry hanging. Elaborate decoration in the design gives an air of another more heavenly world, the world of legend and myth and the characters themselves appear to be in another dreamlike …show more content…
This captivating story proved popular in tapestry and was immortalised in the Holy Grail Series by William Morris. Entwined with angels, closed doors and an air of mystery the Holy Grail continues to capture the imagination of those who seek it. The knights and their quest in finding this mysterious and elusive piece is beautifully captured in exquisite detail and in the expressions of some of the characters depicted, and ensures Arthurian tales continue to thrill with the legend surrounding the Grail. It is a rich combination of valour, chivalry and a mysterious legend that remains unsolved to this