Unicorn Tapestry

The Unicorn Tapestries
The Hunt of the Unicorn
The seven tapestries collectively known as The Hunt of the Unicorn or The Unicorn Tapestries have been declared one of the finest examples in history of the art of tapestry. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with few clues as to whom they were made for. Housed in the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, these tapestries depict the hunt for and capture of a unicorn.

The Unicorn Is Found
The Powers of the Unicorn
In the second tapestry of The Hunt of the Unicorn, the hunters find their quarry, the Unicorn, dipping his horn into a poisoned fountain. All are in awe of the powers the Unicorn has. Around the fountain cluster beasts and fowl such as lions, a stag, quail, a hyena, birds, a panther, and a weasel.

The Start of the Hunt
The Hunt Begins!
In the first tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn series depicts the noblemen and their dogs gathering in the meadow on the edge of the forest. In the distance, from the treeline, a servant calls that the unicorn has been sighted.

The Lost Unicorn Tapestry
A Virgin Maiden Appears
In the fifth tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn series, only fragments of the image remain. Scholars agree that the Unicorn is being tamed by a virgin maid. Only this cunning trick will capture the unicorn.

The Unicorn at Bay
In the Midst of Battle
In the fourth tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn series depicts the noblemen and their dogs surrounding the Unicorn. Defending itself, the unicorn gores a hunting hound with its horn while kicking a hunter with its hooves. But it will take more than brute force to capture the unicorn!

The Unicorn Leaps Out of the Stream
The Hunt is On
In the third tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn series depicts the noblemen and their dogs converging on the Unicorn as the beast leaps out of the stream. The heat of battle is intense and the race to catch the unicorn is on!

The Unicorn in Captivity
The Unicorn Resurrected
In the seventh tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn we see the Unicorn alive and well, risen from death. Penned but not securely, the symbolism can be read to see the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ties to Earth and the Church.

The Unicorn Is Killed and Brought to the Castle
In Death
In the sixth tapestry of the The Hunt of the Unicorn the battle is over and the Unicorn is slain by the hunters. Its body is brought on the back of a horse to the Lord and Lady of the castle. All who view the scene are in awe of the magical creature, whose horn will now belong to the Lord and his Lady.