The Bayeux Tapestry Its history and origins

Origins of the Tapestry Bayeux Tapestry (faliszőnyeg) Bayeux Tapestry (faliszőnyeg) French: Tapisserie de Bayeux French: Tapisserie de Bayeux 50 cm by 70 m (3 swimming pool) long embroidered cloth 50 cm by 70 m (3 swimming pool) long embroidered cloth Represents events of the Norman invasion (1066) Represents events of the Norman invasion (1066) Latin annotations (képaláírás) Latin annotations (képaláírás)

Modern history Rediscovered in the late 17 th century Rediscovered in the late 17 th century Published int the 1730s by Bernard de Montfaucon Published int the 1730s by Bernard de Montfaucon Bayeux wanted to use it as a cloth to cover an ammunition (lőszer) wagon Bayeux wanted to use it as a cloth to cover an ammunition (lőszer) wagon 1803-Napoleon transported it to Paris, he wanted to use it as an inspiration for his planned attack on England Napoleon transported it to Paris, he wanted to use it as an inspiration for his planned attack on England.

Later the tapestry was returned to Bayeux Later the tapestry was returned to Bayeux The tapestry spent much of World War II. in the basement of the Louvre. The tapestry spent much of World War II. in the basement of the Louvre. Now: it is in a special dark room, protected from light and air with a special glass Now: it is in a special dark room, protected from light and air with a special glass

Theories Traditional legend: the tapestry was created by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror’s wife Traditional legend: the tapestry was created by Queen Matilda, William the Conqueror’s wife 20 th century analysis:the tapestry was made by William the Conqueror’s half brother Bishop Odo 20 th century analysis:the tapestry was made by William the Conqueror’s half brother Bishop Odo It was used for propaganda by the Normans to legitimize the conquest of the British Isles It was used for propaganda by the Normans to legitimize the conquest of the British Isles

Reasons 3 of the Bishop followers appear on it 3 of the Bishop followers appear on it It was found in Bayeux Cathedral which was built by Odo It was found in Bayeux Cathedral which was built by Odo It may have been made at 1070 at the same time as the Cathedral It may have been made at 1070 at the same time as the Cathedral

Assuming Odo created the tapestry: It was probably designed in England by Anglo- Saxon artists It was probably designed in England by Anglo- Saxon artists Anglo-Saxon needlework Anglo-Saxon needlework Latin:Opus Anglicanum (famous across Europe) Latin:Opus Anglicanum (famous across Europe)

The Bayeux Catherdral

Bayeux Cathedral Cathédrale Notre Dame - de Bayeux Cathédrale Notre Dame - de Bayeux Norman-Romanesque cathedral Norman-Romanesque cathedral It was the home of the Tapestry It was the home of the Tapestry National monument of France National monument of France Once it was occupied by Romans Once it was occupied by Romans Built in 1077 Built in 1077

Construction and technique It is not a true woven (szövés) tapestry It is not a true woven (szövés) tapestry Embroidered in: wool yarn (gyapjú fonál) on a tabbly-woven linen ground Embroidered in: wool yarn (gyapjú fonál) on a tabbly-woven linen ground Outline or stem stitch (öltés) for lettering Outline or stem stitch (öltés) for lettering Outlines of figures Outlines of figures Couching or laid work for filling figures Couching or laid work for filling figures

Main colours  Terracotta or russet(sárgás-vöröses-barna)  Blue-green  Dull gold  Olive green  Blue  Small amounts of dark blue or black  Sage green  Later:light green,yellow and orange.

Detail showing outlines in stem or outline stitch and fillings in laid work Detail showing outlines in stem or outline stitch and fillings in laid work

The plot of the Tapestry Tells the story of the Norman conquest of England Tells the story of the Norman conquest of England Anglo-Saxons:Harold Godwinson(mustaches) Anglo-Saxons:Harold Godwinson(mustaches) Normans:William the Conqueror(shave-headed) Normans:William the Conqueror(shave-headed) Main character:William Main character:William

Did you know? It includes 623 people, 202 horses, 41 ships and 55 dogs. It includes 623 people, 202 horses, 41 ships and 55 dogs. There are more than 500 mythical creatures along the borders. There are more than 500 mythical creatures along the borders. There are more than 2000 words There are more than 2000 words