tapestry

Tapestry is a form of textile art traditionally woven on a loom, in which the decorative imagery is produced by the weft threads that cover the warp. The design is usually prepared in advance on a full-scale drawing called a cartoon, and the weaver follows it, changing colors as the weft passes back and forth across the loom to build the image.

Historically, tapestry weaving flourished in medieval and Renaissance Europe, especially in Flanders, northern France, and Italy. Large wall hangings were valued for their beauty, their ability to insulate rooms, and their display of religious, mythological, or historical subjects. Workshops organized around master weavers and apprentices, and panels could be joined to form larger compositions.

Materials and technique commonly involve wool as the primary fiber, with silk or metallic threads used for highlights in more luxurious pieces. The weft interlaces with the warp to create a dense, pictorial surface; color areas are built up through careful changes in the weft rather than by stitching on top of the fabric. Tapestries are often woven on vertical looms, though some are produced on horizontal looms, and the process requires substantial planning and time.

Subject matter ranges from biblical narratives and courtly scenes to allegorical and contemporary designs. The term tapestry also covers later machine-made woven pieces that imitate traditional handwoven panels, though these may differ in texture and detail.

Notable examples include the Bayeux Tapestry, historically celebrated though technically an embroidery, and the Unicorn Tapestries, renowned for their intricate, allegorical imagery. Today, tapestry remains a respected medium in both historical reproduction and contemporary art.