Middle Ages Wove The News In The Medieval Tapestries
The period from approximately 1500 to 1750 is considered the golden age of European tapestry production. During the Middle Ages, it was typical for weavers to use artistic license and interpret freely when creating tapestries from working sketches. By 16th century, however, tapestry production was a highly regulated, rigidly controlled industry. The working designs, or "cartoons", were paintings, often by masters, and were strictly copied by the weavers. Ten tapestries created from cartoons by Rafael, known as the Acts of the Apostles, hang in the Sistine Chapel to this day. Medieval Tapestries were practically like a newspaper.. telling all the tales and events of importance in the weaving of the fabrics. The exquisite detail and color of these hangings equaled any paintings of the time.