Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bayeux Tapestry



The Museum of Reading provides panel by panel, scene by scene, "narration" of a Victorian replica of the embroidery.

The Wikipedia entry notes several Mysteries of the Tapestry, which are interesting. Any insights or ideas?:

There is a panel with what appears to be a clergyman touching or possibly
striking a woman's face. No one knows the meaning of the inscription above this
scene (ubi unus clericus et Ælfgyva, "where [we see] a certain cleric and
Ælfgifu," a woman's name, although some authorities have claimed otherwise).
There are two naked male figures in the border below this figure; the one
directly below the figure is squatting and displaying prominent genitalia, a
scene that was frequently censored in former reproductions. Historians speculate
that it may represent a well known scandal of the day that needed no explanation
(Setton 125).

At least two panels of the tapestry are missing, perhaps
even another 6.4 m (7 yards) worth. This missing area would probably include
William’s coronation.

The identity of Harold II of England in the
vignette depicting his death is disputed. Some recent historians disagree with
the traditional view that Harold II is the figure struck in the eye with an
arrow. The view that it is Harold is supported by the fact that the words Harold
Rex (King Harold) appear right above the figure's head. However, the arrow may
have been a later addition following a period of repair. Evidence of this can be
found in a comparison with engravings of the tapestry in 1729 by Bernard de
Montfaucon, in which the arrow is absent. A figure is slain with a sword in the
subsequent plate and the phrase above the figure refers to Harold's death
(Interfectus est, "he is slain"). This would appear to be more consistent with
the labeling used elsewhere in the work. However, needle holes in the linen
suggest that, at one time, this second figure was also shown to have had an
arrow in his eye. It was common medieval iconography that a perjurer was to die
with a weapon through the eye. So, the tapestry might be said to emphasize
William's rightful claim to the throne by depicting Harold as an oath breaker.
Whether he actually died in this way remains a mystery and is much
debated[citation needed].


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