Good afternoon everyone,

I've been having one of those weeks and you know what that means, it's either time for the medieval age or time for delightful imagery. OR HOW ABOUT BOTH. It's Feminist Friday, but tapestries!

Let's start with the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, owned by Bess of Hardwick who "married four times and got richer with each wedding." Here are some details on the fashions of the times, both in the image and described:

'Boar and Bear Hunt' shows the fashions of the early 1430s: the women in high-waisted gowns with collars wider than their shoulders and wearing heart-shaped headdresses; the men in bulky garments with large drooping sleeves and low-slung belts. 'Falconry' and 'Swan and Otter Hunt' show slightly later developments; while 'Deer Hunt' displays fashion which emerged in the 1440s: a higher curved headdress for two of the women, the men having square shoulders, higher waistlines and more pointed shoes.

https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-devonshire-hunting-tapestries

Here's an absolutely classic gift to ask for - a tapestry of you as a goddess doing something impressive (rescuing/inventing). That's what Diane de Poitiers asked for and got from Henry II:

The version of the story shown here is not precisely that found in the writings of any classical author, and the invention of the net by Diana does not seem to be a classical idea at all. It is here in order to glorify Diane de Poitiers, who is portrayed in the guise of the goddess.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/199069

I'm looking at a list of search results now and there's this website calling tapestries "easy to hang wall staples." Are tapestries making a comeback? Do you have them? What are your favourite scenes and themes? Excited for your feedback on this.

Love,

Alex.