Bayeux Tapestry

Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is the most famous wall-hanging in the world and depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, which culminates in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. These events, which changed the course of history, unfold across 230 feet (70 meters). However, it is technically an embroidery because its design was not woven into the cloth, as is the case with a tapestry. Originating from a few years after the battle, it depicts events from the perspective of the Normans, although it was likely made in England by Anglo-Saxon artists. Stored today in Bayeux, France, it is regarded as a highlight of Norman Romanesque art and its survival to the present in such good condition is nothing less than a miracle. Although it was originally believed to have been created by Queen Matilda (ca. 1031–83) the wife of William the Conqueror (ca. 1028–87), more recent scholarship has identified the patron as Bishop Odo (d. 1097), the King’s half-brother and founder of Bayeux Cathedral, where the tapestry was stored until the 19th century. Nonetheless, this is one of the most famous and important artworks of the entire Middle Ages.

An 11th Century Witness

The image cycle of the Bayeux Tapestry begins with a depiction of King Edward the Confessor (ca. 1003–66) sending Harold Godwinson (ca. 1022–66) to Normandy and ends with a scene of Anglo-Saxon warriors fleeing the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, but a final additional scene is believed to be missing, which will vex historians for all time. The events are related in ca. 70 scenes, which are sometimes but not always separated with stylized trees, with Latin tituli or captions and are remarkable for their harmony, fresh color palette, exquisite workmanship, and narrative clarity. Some of the more action-packed scenes exceed their borders for dramatic effect. These borders are filled with birds, beasts, fish, and scenes from fables, agriculture, and hunting, which are only rarely directly associated with the primary imagery. The Bayeux Tapestry also depicts Halley’s Comet for the first time in history, adding to its importance. The work is first referenced in 1476 in the inventory of the treasures of Bayeux Cathedral and survived a sack of Bayeux by Huguenots in 1562. In 1792, it was ignobly seized and used to cover military wagons by revolutionaries, but was saved from any further damage by a local lawyer. A hand-colored facsimile was created in 1816 by Charles Stothard (1786–1821), the images of which present the tapestry before it was restored later in the 19th century. Its high artistic quality, clear narrative, and resemblance to a modern comic strip all contribute to its continuing popularity and presence in popular culture.