The Lady and the Unicorn. "Taste"

Tha Lady and 
the Unicorn
"Taste"
Paris (cartons), 
Flanders (weaving)
End of the 15th century
Wool and silk
Cl. 10831 - 10834

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry, discovered in 1841 by Prosper Mérimée in Boussac castle, then the subprefect of the Creuse, became an immediate legend thanks to the works George Sand. Purchased in 1882 by Edmond Du Sommerard, it was the subject of studies which identified its origin, inconography, and style. The tapestry is complete with its six pieces. Five of them illustrate each of the five senses. The sixth "To My Only Desire" stands out.
Fabulous animals, the lion and the unicorn, wear armour which identifies the sponsor as Jean Le Viste, a powerful personage close to King Charles VII. Familiar animals, a rabbit, birds, a monkey, inhabit the background of the tapestries and create a dream-like universe.

"Taste" : the lion and the unicorn frame the Lady who, eyes turned towards a parrot in her right hand, is taking a sweet from the candy dish offered to her by her servant. Her little dog follows her every move, whilst at her feet a leering monkey, eating a berry or a candy, highlights the significance of the scene.