Medieval Decor : Medieval Tapestry Designs

The Medieval period of history saw the blossoming of tapestry design into maturity. The Dark Age was characterised by simple designs of animals and birds, whereas the Middle Ages saw real art, design and beauty emerge in detail. With the emergence of more detailed tapestry design the religious themes proved very popular. Perspective developed through the Middle Ages as weavers with limited drawing skills developed artistic ability and detail.

As the Renaissance developed and the Medieval Period advanced a more scenic and secular view emerged in tapestry design. The crowding of scenes featured heavily with animals, buildings, people all crammed in. Animals were popular in medieval designs and were usually dogs, horses and other domestic species. Sometimes mythological creatures such as the unicorn would feature in tapestry design.

Madder produced red colouring, weld a yellow colour and woad is known for its blue tincture. The three primary colours were used in the Lady and Unicorn Tapestries. As craftsmen discovered the potential of mass production the colouring and material were adapted to reflect profits such as eliminating gold and silver material. As the craft developed proportion became more accurate and shadows and anatomical structure more precise in the tapestry.

Many of the classical styles and designs created in Medieval times have retained their popularity in the modern world. Scenes of country life and wine making, of battles and legends have retained their appeal. Medieval weavers created a legacy in their tapestry design which portrays daily life as well as form an imagined existence through legend. The appeal of classical figures as metaphor for the senses or as warriors continues to fire an admiration for tapestry which has retained its appeal through time.