the Bayeux Tapestry

Autore:
Data:

The Bayeux Tapestry is a long embroidered cloth which describes the events before and during  the Norman conquest of England(1066).  The two combatants were the Anglo-Saxon English, led by Harold Godwinson, and the Normans, led by William the Conqueror. The tapestry has Latin notes and now it  is shown in a special museum in Bayeux, Normandy called Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux.

Among the various possible legends and stories about the creation, one says that  it was made by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror’s wife, and her ladies – in – waiting. Recent studies have established that it was commissioned by William’s half brother, Bishop Odo during the building of the cathedral (1070s – 1077). Probably Anglo-Saxon artists designed and created it in England  because the  Latin notes  contain  Anglo-Saxon words.  
The Bayeux Tapestry is embroidered in wool  thread on a linen ground. The linen is assembled in panels and has been patched in numerous places.

The main colours are terracotta or russet, blue-green, dull gold, olive green, and blue. When it was later repaired  other colours like light yellow, orange, and light greens were added. 


NOTES
embroidered cloth: stoffa ricamata 
ladies-in-waiting: personal maids (dame di compagnia)
half brother: fratellastro 
wool: di lana 
thread: filo
linen ground: tessuto di lino 
assembled: linked (unito)
patched: rattoppato 
dull: dark 

Share the post "the Bayeux Tapestry"

  • Facebook
  • Twitter