A Blessing of Unicorns: The Paris and Cloisters Tapestries

This digital edition of A Blessing of Unicorns: The Paris and Cloisters Tapestries explores the stories behind the only known sets of unicorn tapestries in the world. Written by Barbara Drake Boehm, the study considers the beliefs that made the unicorn such a compelling subject in medieval art. Available as an instant PDF download, this Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin brings the celebrated ensembles to your screen.

The Bulletin was originally intended to accompany the exhibition A Blessing of Unicorns at The Met Cloisters, planned during renovations at the Musée de Cluny. It was part of The Met’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2020. This digital edition offers immediate access to the full publication, including illustrations and scholarly notes.

Book Overview

A Blessing of Unicorns examines the Cloisters unicorn tapestries and their sister set at the Musée de Cluny, Paris. Author Barbara Drake Boehm, Paul and Jill Ruddock Senior Curator for The Met Cloisters, draws on extensive research to explore the history and meaning of these works. The publication is an issue of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Summer 2020, Volume LXXVIII, Number 1.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• The evidence that other sets of unicorn tapestries once existed.
• The place of tapestry in late medieval noble life.
• The stories told in both the Cloisters and Cluny tapestries.
• The beliefs that made unicorns a persuasive subject for medieval audiences.
• The artistic milieu in which the tapestries were envisioned, woven, and coveted.

Why This Book Matters

This Bulletin takes a fresh look at two of the most famous treasures of medieval European art. It connects the collections of The Met Cloisters and the Musée de Cluny, two sister institutions devoted to medieval art. Published for The Met’s 150th anniversary, it reflects a moment when these masterpieces were intended to be seen together in New York.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, and no physical item will be shipped. Access is available immediately after purchase. The PDF can be read on desktop computers, tablets, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps, including Kindle apps where PDF support is available.

FAQ

When will I receive access? Instant access is provided after purchase, so you can begin reading right away.

Will a physical copy be shipped? No. This is a digital PDF download, and no printed book or shipping is involved.

What devices are supported? The PDF works with most desktop, tablet, and mobile reading apps that support PDF files, including Kindle apps.

Add this digital edition to your library and explore the mysteries of the unicorn tapestries today.