February 10, 2003

By: Laurie Simpson
Website: http://www.tapestry-tapestry.com

Tapestries from the Renaissance period brought the ancient craft into the arena of artwork

The evolution of the techniques of tapestry making is well preserved in the works themselves. Tapestries from the Renaissance period began a move to great changes in the way the patterns were designed and the colors that were used. Tapestries took on a new look from their predecessors of medieval times. The early medieval tapestries resulted from simple sketches or line drawings that weavers could alter and add their own interpretations to. The weavers were allowed to express their artistic adaptations in the confines of a basic pattern. The weaving was a part of the artistic process in tapestries from the Renaissance period and rarely did a piece end up exactly as originally planned.

Tapestries from the Renaissance period brought a kind of rigid confinement to the details of the original pattern. Elaborate paintings were created as the patterns for the tapestry. The works became copies of paintings rather than completely original works of art. The weavers became more laborers and less artistic expression was tolerated. Tapestries began to rise in their status as material wealth and the walls of great homes were always adorned with them. The details and quality of the pictures grew in importance as tapestries moved into an art category of its own.

Today copies of tapestries from the Renaissance period are still very popular and grace many homes as art and décor. They have lost their utilitarian function as insulation protecting the great castles and homes from drafts and cold before people were favored with central heating in their lives.

About The Author:

Laurie Simpson is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.tapestry-tapestry.com.  Tapestries make elegant gifts as table runners, pillows, throws and wall hangings found in traditional and medieval prints.