Bayeux Tapestry, William the Conqueror

Many major tapestry works-of-art are made and currently on display in Paris, France, and are considered to be true treasures of the world and a known as French tapestries. This is not surprising at all; Paris has been own to be one of the world's major art centers in the world.

Paris is home to some of the world's most renowned artists, may it be in literary or visual arts, including Vincent Van Gogh and Marcel Duchamp, among others. It is also home to the world's most renowned museums, including the museums of Pablo Picasso and Gustave Moreau. For the French to claim that they are creating the world's most extravagant tapestry pieces, is justified.

It is also no surprise that the Bayeux Tapestry is first connected to France. Perhaps the most elaborate piece of tapestry in existence, it is currently displayed in Normandy, France. The Bayeux Tapestry was first said to be commissioned by Queen Matilda as a gift to William the Conqueror, although this story is most likely a romantic fiction rather than a historical fact.

Another French royalty commissioned for the creation of another French wall hanging masterpiece. Commissioned by Queen Anne of Brittany as gift for King Charles VIII of France, "The Hunt of the Unicorn" is another elaborate piece illustrating the hunt for the mythical unicorn.

Another unicorn-themed tapestry, "The Lady and the Unicorn" is currently displayed in France. Of unknown origin is the Valios Tapestry, a collection of eight tapestries depicting festivities and celebrations in France - specifically, the Court of France - during the 16th century.

Although illustrating French festivities, it was probably created in the Southern Netherlands (or the Spanish Netherlands). It is assumed to be commissioned by the Queen Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henry II.

Most of the people in the Valoid Tapestry are members of the royal family of France. The events depicted in this wall hanging are based on the queen's "magnificences", or Catherine de Medici's lavish entertainment festivals.

Perhaps the reason for the French's prominence in the art of tapestry-making is the Gobelin's, a family who created a firm in Paris who made tapestry during the 16th century. First a family of dyers, they expanded their business and began creating tapestry for various government institutions in France.

They also supplied Louis XIV with various pieces of tapestries as well as the other monarch that succeeded him. Some of the works from the Gobelin Manufactory can be seen on display in various French museums today, including the actual Gobelin workshop, which is still open to tourists for tours.

Visit a trusted source to see many popular works-of-art including William the Conqueror, Bayeux Tapestry. There are 76 different tapestries from the Bayeux Tapestry Collection, showing the events leading up to The Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the battle itself. Educational and handsome masterpieces.