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| The tapestry is a landmark in ] and its serial storytelling is considered an ancestor of the ]. | The tapestry is a landmark in ] and its serial storytelling is considered an ancestor of the ]. | ||
| It has been parodied in later embroidery and artwork, particularly those |
It has been parodied in later embroidery and artwork, particularly those involving invasions. | ||
Revision as of 04:21, 13 November 2002
The Bayeux tapestry (Tapisserie de Bayeux) is not actually a tapestry (that is, a weaving), but is embroidery. It is currently to be found in a special museum in the town of Bayeux in Normandy. It was made in England, probably in Kent, after the Norman conquest of 1066, and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings.
The tapestry is 70 metres long and 0.5 metres wide. It has 58 scenes, which portray in detail the progress of William I of England to the throne. It is sometimes said to have been made by William's queen, Matilda of Flanders, and her ladies. Indeed, in France it is known as "La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde" (Tapestry of Queen Mathilda). However, it was probably made in a workshop on the orders of Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, who was William's half-brother.
The embroiderers used wool which had been tinted with vegetable dyes. The colours of muted brick, rust, mustard yellow, olive-green, dark brown and off-white can be found in cloth traditionally woven in the region.
The tapestry is a landmark in graphic art and its serial storytelling is considered an ancestor of the comic strip.
It has been parodied in later embroidery and artwork, particularly those involving invasions.