I've a delightful book with large pull-out pages depicting the four Devonshire Hunting Tapestries. Currently owned by the V&A, this group of four 15th century tapestries depict medieval life and fashion within the popular pastime of hunting. The set is comprised of Boar and Bear Hunt, Falconry, Otter and Swan Hunt and Deer Hunt. They are believed to be of the International Gothic style of about 1400, but possibly made between 1425-1450. It never ceases to amaze me that textiles have survived the general havoc of nature and destruction of mankind.
I adore the ladies' fabulous hennins! I remember seeing these tapestries at the V&A and they are a wonder to behold. I think I loved the trees and flowers as much as the nobles and animals that are depicted.
ReplyDeleteMary
ReplyDeleteWow, you saw them in person? Bet the size of them is quite impressive too.
Gorgeous! I wish I could say I remember seeing these at the V&A, but I was on such visual overload I cannot!
ReplyDeleteLove the way the falcon's wings are rendered. It is truly amazing that they have survived so well.
Jen
ReplyDeleteI didn't go to the V&A on either UK trip as I was in London only for a day or so, but NEXT time; I'll be the tourist they have to physically remove.
The different animals depicted in this set is really remarkable (the otter is first image cracks me up:)
Beautiful! What do you call those hats the women wore? I have always been fascinated by the fashion of this time. Anita
ReplyDeleteHi Anita
ReplyDeleteThe hats are variations of the hennin. They look heavy, don't they?
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ReplyDeleteOops...I'm typing this pre-coffee, let me try again: :)
ReplyDeleteI think the concept must have been, the larger the hennin the more noble the lady. :) Toward the end of the 1400's in Italy, the ladies wore the smaller, delicate, pointy hennin with gossamer veils. They seem to have reached impressive proporations earlier in that century!
There definitely is SO much to catch your eye at the V&A. These tapestries are quite large and I remember being impressed that the colors are still vibrant after 500 years. There are also some amazing medieval tapestries at the Met.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the occupational hazards of those hats? Near open flames and low ceilings?
I suppose part of the fascination for me is that clothing was so richly ornate compared to today's very casual attire.
Beautiful! And how I love those blues in tapestries! Even the fuzzy critter is in blue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
And Happy Weekend!
Kirsten
Thanks Kirsten!
ReplyDeleteI think the blues in this really stand out too. There are so many critters in the series - amazingly rendered in thread!
May you have a happy weekend as well.
Hello MM, pull-out pages are so inviting!
ReplyDeleteI love the rich color and detail here.
A lovely blog. I have favourited you.
ReplyDeleteCynthia - I love pull out pages and pop-up books! Especially when filled with lovely like this.
ReplyDeleteClever Pup
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog too. Kindred spirits always seem to find one another:)
oh, these are fabulous! we all need to go back to the V&A. there is just so much to see that is can be so overwhelming! these make me want to read "the lady and the unicorn again". i just loved reading about all the weaving-we need to get some looms side by side-it was a great stress reliever for sonja and me to sit side by side and do this and gab away not to mention picking out gorgeous yarns. oh course, i am not weaving anything like these!
ReplyDeletethose Tapestriesare absolutely amazing.
ReplyDelete