Tapestry mural with unicorn in the garden

There are seven tapestries that magically attract visitors to The Cloisters museum in New York. Idyllically located in Fort Tryon Park near the northern tip of Manhattan, medieval art is presented here. These include the so-called Unicorn Tapestries, which were probably created around 1480 or 1500. The artist is unknown. However, it is assumed that he made the valuable works in Brussels (then the Duchy of Brabant), the centre of tapestry at the time. The carpets were initially in the possession of Duc François VI de La Rochefoucauld, were lost in the turmoil of the French Revolution, rediscovered in 1850 and finally acquired by oil billionaire John. D. Rockefeller, who donated them to the New York Museum.

The hunting scenes of the mystical unicorn lead past a well and a stream and end in the captivity shown here. The carpet is one of the most impressive pieces in the series. However, the unicorn in captivity could also have been a single motif. In this case, the graceful animal probably represents the tamed lover.

In a Wondrous Garden

The Count of Münster's manufactory has transformed the valuable work into a stately mural measuring 2.70 x 2.10 metres. It stretches upwards, which predestines it as an eye-catcher for larger rooms or a representative entrance area. The Mica effect supports the enormous effect and makes the structure of the tapestry perceptible. The original from the late Middle Ages was luxuriously woven from fine wool and silk with silver and gilded threads.

The motif is full of loving details

The unicorn rests in a small wooden gate surrounded by a wondrous garden. The strong contrast between the light coat, the circular shape of the fence in the centre and the dark green vegetation magically attracts the eye. The gentle animal, which does not seem to be wounded, becomes almost tangible. The red spots on its flank are probably not blood, as there are no visible wounds as in the hunting series.

The red probably comes from the juice of the pomegranates on the tree. Pomegranates were a symbol of fertility and marriage in the Middle Ages. Another symbol of fertility appears in the little frog nestling among the violets in the lower right. Many of the plants shown, such as thistle, wild orchid and candle knotweed, pick up on the theme.

Nature serves as our inspiration not only in terms of motif. Like all products from the House of Hohenberger, this finely crafted garden wallpaper was made from materials that come from exemplary managed forests and other controlled sources.

Design rights: Wolfsee U.G, Mrs. Clarissa Dreier