The Unicorn Tapestries (Interpretation and Analysis)

The Unicorn in Captivity
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Medieval art has a special kind of charm. In many ways it is stranger and more complex than the vaunted sculptures and paintings of the Renaissance period, offering a nuanced look into the spiritual and psychological life of those who lived through one of the most transformative and turbulent periods of Western history.

Typically, medieval art is rich in symbolism, and the Unicorn Tapestries (housed in the MET Museum) are no exception. The MET describes them as “among the most beautiful and complex works of art from the late Middle Ages that survive.” There are seven tapestries in the series, each depicting a scene from the hunt for the unicorn, a mythical beast surrounded by countless layers of allegorical and (somewhat) esoteric meaning.

The unicorn is a creature shrouded in mysticism. In Western legend, a unicorn can only be touched by a virgin, making it a symbol of purity and grace. Some medieval texts also state that unicorns can heal sickness and purify water. Because of its connection to the idea of purity, the unicorn gained religious significance, becoming symbolically linked to the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception in Christian art. In secular culture, the unicorn was also associated with romantic love and marriage.

In subject matter, the Unicorn Tapestries are distinctly secular, depicting a hunt for the magical beast. The hunt was an activity reserved for the nobility, and the tapestries hint at the rich and luxurious lives of the aristocracy, from their fine clothing to sleek hounds. While the tapestries themselves tell the tale of the hunt, from the pursuit of the unicorn to its eventual subjection, it is also possible to interpret the series as an extended (and slightly gruesome) metaphor for love and marriage.

The Unicorn Purifies Water
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The hunt represents the pursuit and courtship of the lover, while the final episode in the narrative shows the unicorn in captivity, seemingly content in its new condition. As the MET explains, although the fence is low and the tether is insecure, the unicorn is uninterested in escape. A pomegranate tree grows in its enclosure, and the juice stains the unicorns flanks. The pomegranate is traditionally a symbol of fertility, and the juice staining the unicorn’s white coat could symbolize the loss of purity after the consummation of the marriage.

However, this narrative doesn’t offer a perfect parallel. In one scene, the hunters can be seen carrying the dead body of the unicorn back to the castle. The scholars at the MET interpret this scene as an allusion to Christ, explaining “In some contexts, the unicorn is an allegory for Christ; the large holly tree (often a symbol of Christ's Passion) rising from behind his head may conceivably be linked to this association.”

The Hunters Return to the Castle
Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the end, the unicorn is an elusive symbol, tied closely to birth and death in mystical ways. Yet, the power and beauty of these tapestries is undeniable. I think it’s important to touch on the topic of tapestries as an artistic medium. Tapestries were luxury items in medieval Europe, taking years to produce and requiring the work of dozens of skilled laborers. However, tapestries also served a practical purpose, insulating the walls of the drafty fortresses and castles that were home to the wealthy classes. The fact of their survival to the modern age is extraordinary, and they stand as a lasting testament to the beauty of ordinary, household items.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.