La Licorne
MUSÉE de
CLUNY à PARIS
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Fly,
drive, cycle or walk to Paris and find the museum that harbors the utmost on
Unicorns, the Licorne tapestries of Flemish origin
that date from the end of the Middle Ages. Five of the tableaus represent the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, while the sixth refers to matters of heart. Approach
and give them a first look. Then close your eyes to sense what you hear,
taste and smell. Open your eyes again and experience the untouchable. This
page will give you a forebode. |
LA VUE
(The Sight)
The
Lady holds a mirror for the Unicorn. Some
critics claim the unicorn can't see himself because his image is shown to us.
Though this is correct from a scientific point of view it does no right to the artists'
obvious intention. The Ladies' upper dress is lifted to allow the
Unicorn closer to the safety of her lap. The Lion holds the standard of the
family Le Viste, rising French aristocracy from Lyon at the time. The banner displays
three upcoming moons, or French breads (croissants)
in silver.
L'OUÏE
(The Hearing)
The
Lady has got up to play the organ. Another woman has joined her to give vocal
support, while applying the organ's belly. Judging from her size, dress and jewelry
she is the lesser. Both the Lion and the Unicorn figure with banner on the
side. Notice the carved images of them on the organ.
LE GOÛT
(The Taste)
The
Court-lady is holding a cup filled with delicatessen for the Lady. Both of them
are at their prettiest. The Monkey at the bottom is also taken a taste of
something. The Unicorn and the Lion have changed banners and are dressed with a
cape.
L'ODORAT
(The smell)
The Court-lady holds a tray for the Lady that is making a wreath of flowers. The Lady has changed dress and both women have lifted part of their dress. The Monkey takes a good smell of a flower from the basket. The Lion and the Unicorn stay guard again. They have traded their capes for shields. The shield of the Unicorn is of a fancy shape and a sword has been mounted on it.
LE TOUCHER
(The Touch)
Now it the lady that holds the banner. The other hand touches lightly the horn
of the Unicorn that looks up to her in a loving trance. Both the Lion and the
Unicorn carry a shield.
À MON SEUL DÉSIR
There
she is again, our Lady from before in a less ladylike shape, the hair in rags
and the necklace around the arm. The contrast with the Court-lady with her
deftly styled hair is painful to watch. The Lion and the Unicorn are not only
holding banners, they also lift the ends of the tent opening. In my perception
they stand ready to drop the tent cloth after the Lady has laid off her jewelry
allowing her to
change for a fitting religious dress in order to follow her only wish. As for myself I take it that the lady is in the
process of disavowing from all earthy pleasantries to devote the remainder of
her life to a heavenly calling.