The Unicorn Defends Himself (from the Unicorn Tapestries) RE155936

"The Unicorn Defends Himself," a compelling segment of the Unicorn Tapestries, showcases the seamless blend of French design and South Netherlandish weaving techniques. Created between 1495–1505, this tapestry is currently exhibited at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 17, where its mastery of craftsmanship and vivid storytelling continue to captivate audiences.

In this scene, the injured unicorn faces three hunters poised to pierce him with their lances. Fueled by fury and desperation, the majestic creature launches a gruesome attack on a greyhound, nearly tearing the dog's body apart. The intensity of the moment is palpable, with the hunters and their prey locked in a life-and-death struggle.

The tapestry captures the fashion and style of the turn of the sixteenth century, with hunters adorned in round-toed shoes, fitted bodices, and contemporary headdresses and hairstyles. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the convincing representation of different materials and textures in the costumes, including brocade, velvet, leather, and fur.

To create these tapestries, skilled weavers utilized plain wool yarns stretched between two beams of a large loom, while dyed and metallic threads were intricately woven over and under the warp threads to form the design. Chemical analyses have revealed that the vibrant hues in the Unicorn Tapestries were derived from natural sources such as weld, madder, and woad, with metallic threads adding a touch of brilliance to the spectrum of colors.

Through its masterful craftsmanship and evocative storytelling, "The Unicorn Defends Himself" invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of myth and legend, where the struggle between hunters and hunted unfolds in vivid detail.

The Unicorn Defends Himself (from the Unicorn Tapestries) RE155936