Tapestry Designs: Legends & Mythology

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 tapestry design. The legend of Diana the Huntress is one of the more prominent figures in Greek mythology and was depicted in an eighteenth century series by the Gobelins Factory titled Portiere des Dieux or the Gateway to the Gods. Each panel represented the four seasons with Diana appearing resplendent amongst nature.

Pomona and Vertumnus is another Greek legend captured in a tapestry series to represent the many disguises of Vertumnus, the god of changing seasons as he wooed Pomona. The original Brussels tapestry was an exquisite design series by Jan Cornelisz with a magnificently detailed garden and elaborate greenery. Originally from Ovidýs Metamorphoses this striking myth is captured in the beauty of the needlecraft and workmanship and transposed through tapestry.

Just as frescoes of gods appeared in ancient temples so the elaborate and detailed tapestries depicting the classical mythology of Greece and Rome emerged on castle and palace walls and in homes of wealthy noblemen. 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 environment.

Legendary Creatures and Magical Beasts

Mythological creatures have been a popular feature of tapestries with the Unicorn being one of the more prominent. Medieval tapestries such as the Lady and the Unicorn have used this legendary creature to create a series of panels depicting the senses. Simple and classical designs but giving a mysterious edge, even as to the origin of this work add a cryptic touch to the myth behind this famous tapestry, almost leaving the observer guessing the message behind each scene. The Unicorn series focuses on the legend of purity surrounding the unicorn and the imagery that unicorns were once thought to be a representation of Christ. This popular figure in medieval times continues to be appreciated in modern tapestry and still exudes an air of mystery to this day.

Arthurian legend

Central to British heritage was the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. 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 day.

The Timeless Appeal of Mythology

Legends and Mythologies are as old as time itself and continue to retain their popularity. Pyramus and Thisbe found themselves immortalised in the Shakespearean tragedy Rome and Juliet, and also in a Parisian tapestry creation in the Gobelin style. These are the classical tales that pass from generation to generation and continue to enchant with mystery and imagery. Tapestries have been designed for many years with mythological themes and stories sewn into the fabric, bursting with joy and captivating admirers. From the Ancient Gods of Greece to Unicorns and legends the very nature of mythology will ensure the themes and characters continue to feature in the decorative arts.

Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on home decor and tapestry & textile art. She divides her time between family and The Tapestry House