Tapestry is a kind of textile art made from animal, plant or both animal and plant fibers. These synthetic fibers are usually woven together to make heavy and durable fabrics. Traditional hand looms, flying shuttles or power looms are normally used to weave together strands of threads.
Tapestries are believed to have existed as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. They are believed to have their origin in ancient Greek and Egypt dating back to the 3rd century. However, it was not until the 14th century that they found their way in Europe and other parts of the world. During the French Revolution, most of these were burnt down in A bid to recover the gold threads that were believed to have been incorporated in the manufacturing of the fabrics.
Some of the famous artists of earlier times to use tapestry where William Morris, an English textile designer as well as a socialist, Jacopo Pontomo, Francesco Primatisicio, Rubens, and Simon Vouet among others. Tapestry art was one of the major ancient subsets of visual arts incorporated in most cities. Up to date, fine pieces of tapestry wall art are hanging in art galleries and national museums worldwide. These wall hangings are also evident in homes and offices of those who appreciate art and efforts of these early artists. Much as canvas is used by artists to do their work, tapestry is gaining increased popularity in the art scene. One is for the fact that they use naturally occurring materials and for the fact that they are more durable as compared to other types of wallhangings.
Aside from the decorative and aesthetic reasons, wall hangings have acted as a mode of transformation in re living the life that existed many centuries back. That way, history is learnt and appreciated. As stated earlier, wall arts have played a vital role in displaying culture, socio familial ways of life as well as a community’s virtues. Basically, art as a discipline has covered a wide range of topics from sociological, geological, and technological to architectural disciplines. Medieval and Gothic art has covered myths and religious aspects of life with their sculptures and representations used in most holy places for spiritual functions.
To upcoming artists, tapestry art is more than just a form of visual art. It is a model that helps them come up with ideas from the sub sets of pieces of art done by other artists. In a way, this form of historical art has brought artists of diverse ethnic settings to acknowledge and enlighten people of matters affecting the society. Certain artists have gone as far as forming organizations, for instance, feminists artists have used art as a mode of communication to express their take on male chauvinism. As a result, they created awareness and lifted the other gender in knowing their rights and worth in other male dominated societies. It is clearer now that there is more to that beautiful tapestry on your wall