The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestry: "To My Only Desire" (detail)

The Lady and the Unicorn
" To My Only Desire"
Paris (cartons), Netherlands (fabric weaving)
Between 1484 and 1500
Wool and silk
Acq. 1882 ; CL 10831-10834

The meaning of the sixth tapestry (The Sixth Sense?) is not so easily grasped: the Lady appears before a tent with the inscription "To my only desire" and seems to be placing her necklace into a case held out by her servant. Is it the first or the last in the series on the five senses?

The Lady with the Unicorn's reputation also comes from the harmony of the range of colours. A limited number of shades is sufficient to create poetic enchantment. The dark blue rounded "island" which provides the stage of the scene is covered in perennial flowers, and the vermillion background is filled with blooming branches. This part was common in the Middle Ages, according to texts, in the absence of the pieces, so often gone forever. This marvellous decoration brings out the elegance of the young lady, who appears in different costumes and attitudes. The clothing's splendour and the precious jewels add even more to the beauty of the piece.