The materials used to create Medieval tapestries varied greatly. The most common materials used were wool and flax, but they could be made from a variety of other fibers. Silk and silver-wrapped threads from Venice and Cyprus were the highest-quality pieces. These materials increased the price of a tapestry by about twenty times, so it was important to have a large amount of money to purchase a good piece.
The commissioning process for a Medieval tapestry typically involved a merchant or ruler who arranged contracts for the weaving. However, some tapestries were created for stock, and so no customer was identified until later. It is unclear how weaving workshops were funded in the early period, but it is likely that merchants or rulers were involved in financing them. In some areas, there was a lack of funds to hire a full time artist.
Historically, tapestries were used to illustrate Bible stories. Apocalypse of St John, for example, is one of the most famous tapestries from this period. The unicorn is still a popular symbol of purity. In the nineteenth century, William Morris, a man who led the arts movement in England in the late 1800s, helped revive the use of medieval tapestries. While the revival of these ancient art forms was largely due to the work of William Morris, there was a sudden surge of interest in medieval tapestries, which influenced many of his later works.
Despite the beauty of the materials used, the Medieval tapestries were still very practical, and were often more functional than decorative. The intricate patterns were made to display a family’s wealth and power. Those who could afford to pay a high price for a tapestry had to do so. Moreover, the tapestries also served a practical purpose. During the cold months, they were used to keep the room warm.
During the Middle Ages, tapestries were used as decoration and a symbol of power. Nobles cherished these works of art and often had their family mottos on them. Churches also commissioned tapestries that depicted Biblical scenes and saints. These tapestries were not just for decoration, however; they also served a practical purpose. They were used to keep people warm and insulated during the winter.
The use of tapestries in the Middle Ages was mainly for religious purposes, and the Christian Church had great pride in displaying these tapestries. Even though the earliest tapestries were used to illustrate Bible stories, these tapestries were also used as historical evidence. The rich colours and detailed images of Medieval tapestries are still widely available today. Aside from religious themes, they were used for teaching and documenting European history.
The richness of these tapestries’ colors, design, and craftsmanship are remarkable. The varying colours used in medieval tapestries were made by hand, with the first-century tapestry based on a painting from the Middle Ages. The Renaissance also gave the tapestries an artistic touch, but their popularity continued to grow throughout the ages. And even today, there are more than a few beautiful and intricate medieval tapestries.