The Secret of the Unicorn Tapestries

Danielle Oteri | The Paris Review | 18th November 2020

Woven around 1500, the Unicorn Tapestries are one of the world’s greatest artworks. Seven tapestries in all, each at least 12 feet square and woven in wool, silk and metal thread, they display medieval mythology in sumptuous detail. Uncertainty about meaning only adds to their appeal. Perhaps the celebration of a marriage, or training aids for French courtiers? “It is alluring and elusive like the unicorn itself”. A Met video (30 min) is here.