Bayeux Tapestry (1070-80)

This so-called tapestry (actually wool embroidery on linen) is the most important surviving example of textile art from the Middle Ages, an art widely practiced but unfortunately very perishable. On a 230 foot strip (about 20 inches wide) it depicts the Norman invasion of England from the Norman point of view. Embroidered ironically by English needle women (famed for their skill), it was designed as a public work and probably commissioned by the Bishop at Bayeux. Like a strip cartoon with the story depicted in linear fashion, the Bayeux tapestry is a secular work recording history. Using art to record historical developments goes back to the steles of Mesopotamia.

The details that follow portray segments of the story. Click on any of the images to expand. Click here to see all of the tapestry.

Harold's treachery and the prophetic comet:	From the Norman point of view Harold had broken his promise to William (later the "Conqueror") when he had himself crowned king. The comet in the border, in fact Haley's Comet, was viewed as a prophetic sign.
French ships sail for England	The careful detail on this tapestry has supplied invaluable knowledge about kinds of armor, types of warships, techniques of war preparation, and other important sociological information.
The death of Harold	Long lines of cavalry and infantry are depicted on the tapestry; in the borders as well as the main areas, the dead are shown. Toward the end of the work, the treacherous Harold is killed. Events are carefully labelled in wool yarn so that the story and often its meaning are clear.