The Lady and the Unicorn. "Taste"

The Lady and 
the Unicorn
"Taste"
Paris (cartons), 
Flanders (weaving)
End of 15th century
Woll and silk
CL 10831 - 10834

The Lady and the Unicorn, tapestry, discovered in 1841 by Prosper Mérimée in Boussac castle, then the subprefect of la Creuse, became an immediate legend thanks to the works of George Sand. It was purchased in 1882 by Edmond Du Sommerard and has since been the subject of studies which have identified its origin, iconography 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.