The Lady and the Unicorn (Interpretation and Analysis)

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À mon seul désir
Source: Wikimedia Commons

When we think of art, the first things that come to mind are often paintings or sculptures. Today, however, I want to talk about a different type of art: tapestries.

While tapestries were and are produced by many cultures throughout the world, they were especially common in Medieval Europe. Unfortuantely, not many of those tapestries have survived to the present day. The Lady and the Unicorn is one of the finest examples of these surviving tapestries.

The Lady and the Unicorn is a set of six tapestries created in France during the sixteenth century. Each tapestry depicts a woman in the company of a unicorn; the scenes are set on a red background strewn with hundreds of tiny flowers and animals. Five of the tapestries represent the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight. The sixth tapestry—which bears the words “À Mon Seul Désir”—is harder to interpret. This phrase translates to "to my only/sole desire" or "according to my desire alone," which has been interpreted variously as a symbol of love, desire, or perhaps courtly love.

However, it is the unicorn that is the overarching symbol that unites the series. 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 is a powerful and enduring symbol in Medieval culture.

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.

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