Bayeux Tapestry Information
The tapestry was first exhibited at the cathedral of Bayeux, Normandy on July 14, 1077. It was created, along with other tapestries, as an educational tool to relay recent history to illiterate members of the congregation. Though referred to as a tapestry, the Bayeux piece is actually embroidered cloth, as tapestries have images woven directly into the textile, where Bayeux has yarn sewn on top of its linen foundation. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Piece
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The tapestry is composed of several pieces of linen joined together, with a total size of about 18 inches wide by 224 feet long. The original tapestry may have been longer, as the last section in the story is missing. The piece is surrounded by a decorative border with animals whose symbolism is still unknown, but mutilated corpses also appear in some areas. The center contains scenes about events preceding and including the Norman conquest of England. Latin text accompanies the images. The tapestry uses blue-green, terracotta, gold, olive green and blue.
The Story
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The plot covers events culminating in the battle of Hastings in great pictorial detail. The 13 scenes recount how King Edward sends earl Harold Godwinson to notify William that the king has no heir and has chosen him as successor. Instead, Harold gets lost and taken prisoner by a Count. William sends messengers to free Harold, and they go on a conquest together, after which Harold finally relays his message from Edward. William honors him, and Harold returns to England. After Edward's death, Harold has himself crowned as king -- by the Archbishop of Canterbury, according to the tapestry, though the archbishop wouldn't have had the right to crown Harold, so this may not be historically accurate. William finds out, and invades England. After several long battles, the Normans conquer English troops at the battle of Hastings. Harold dies, though it's unclear which figure represents him at the end.
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Significance
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The tapestry recounts an actual event very stylistically, and perhaps with some propaganda, as Harold is seen crowned king next to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had a strained relationship with the papacy, and it's likely Harold wasn't crowned by him at all. The tapestry tends to glorify the conquest, since it has a Norman viewpoint. The tapestry does provide a unique source for what medieval apparel and weaponry may have looked like.
Ambiguities
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The tapestry has several elements with questionable meaning. For instance, at the end of the Battle of Hastings, there are two different figures who may represent Harold. One figure has an arrow piercing his eye, which was a common way to depict a dishonorable person's death in the 11th century. The meaning of the animals and corpses surrounding the narrative strip are also unknown. There may be as many as 7 yards of material missing from the tapestry, including a section depicting William's coronation.
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References
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- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
