The Unicorn Tapestries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art

by Adolph S. Cavallo

Book Overview

The unicorn tapestries are one of the most popular attractions at The Cloisters, the medieval branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Traditionally known as The Hunt of the Unicorn, this set of seven exquisite and enigmatic tapestries was likely completed between 1495 and 1505. The imaginatively conceived scenes--displaying individualized faces of the hunters and naturalistically depicting the flora and fauna of the landscape--are...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300106300
• ISBN13: 9780300106305
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art New York
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.1" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

Sweet! Hard to find /this/ book anywhere!

Well, hard to find the original hardbound version that is! ;) This particular copy is considerably smaller than the original, but the images are just as brilliant and are wonderfully laid out within the pages of this phenominal book. As a lover of myth and legend--as well as fine art--this book suits both my tastes perfectly. The history of the tapestries (that we know of, at least) is richly detaild and it's always interesting to read the background story on any piece of art. If it's so awesome, why did I give it only four stars? My own picky nature, really--I wish it were the same as the original. ;) I recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning more about some of the finer things in life that have survived the test of time--these tapestries are truly gems!

Timeless

I recall seeing these tapestries for the first time as a teen, when my high school class made a bus trip to the Cloisters Museum--deigned as a medieval castle--in the uppermost park in Manhattan. As I recall, I was on crutches at the time. Through the shallow, spiral stairs tested my coordination, however, the fabulous textiles, rich in color and mythology, completely distracted me from my injury. I've been back a few times over the years to see these priceless treasures, and each time, they have induced silent awe. Margaret Freeman's volume provides a great record of the collection, including fine pictorial details, and scholarly (but engrossing) explanations of the tapestry themes and motifs. This is an art book you'll be happy to have.

Luminous

One of the most beautiful, complex works of art that remain with us from the middle ages, the Unicorn Tapestries at the Cloisters Museum in New York City are a priceless treasure. Their monograph on the tapestries is a beautifully produced, meticulously researched, and well-written overview of the techniques used to weave them, the selection of colors, the symbolism of the figures and flowers, and the possible meaning of the entire sequence. To this day, no one knows for certain for whom they were woven and what they truly signify. If you haven't had a chance to see these wondrous tapestries in person, consider putting them on your list of things to do before you die. If you have been fortunate enough to make a visit, this book will certainly increase your understanding and appreciation of this masterpiece. We are fortunate to have them, though they probably truly belong in France or Belgium.

Beautiful

I absolutely love the unicorn tapestries, and I fulfilled a childhood dream when i saw them at the Cluny museum in paris. The colors are vivid and beautiful and do justice to these awesome tapestries.