This exceptional collection of tapestries dedicated to Mary’s life, made centuries ago for a church in France, has an interesting life story of its own!
The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Beaune (located to the east of the center of France) houses an exceptional collection of five 15th-century tapestries known as “The Life of the Virgin Mary.” Fragile as they are, they have nevertheless escaped the vicissitudes of cultural trends, war, and the wear and tear of time.
The tapestries in the Notre-Dame de Beaune collegiate church date from the late 15th century and are considered masterpieces of medieval art. At that time, it was fashionable to hang tapestries around the choir of churches. They replaced the fabric or silk hangings that had previously been used.
The tapestries in the collegiate church of Beaune were commissioned by Archdeacon Hugues Le Coq, canon of the chapter of Notre-Dame de Beaune, who donated them to the church. They were delivered to the chapter of canons in 1500. Each of the five pieces measures roughly five by two yards, designed to fit the dimensions of the choir perfectly.
The tapestries illustrate episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary in 21 scenes. The Dormition of the Virgin is the centerpiece. The details of the scene are extremely precise. The 12 apostles surround the Virgin, who rests peacefully, her eyes open, on a bed draped in red.
An exceptional collection
The fragility of this kind of needlework and fabric means that it’s rare to find a collection of church tapestries so well preserved. It is even more exceptional to be able to admire them in their original location, the place for which they were designed.
The warp of the tapestry is wool, the weft is wool and silk, and the lining is linen. Experts particularly appreciate the brightness and variety of the colors used, which give the scene great liveliness, as well as the beauty of the clothing of the figures. These reflect the refinement of the period.
Preserved in part through neglect
After the tapestries were installed in the collegiate church, it became customary to hang them only temporarily, depending on the liturgical season and religious holidays. These occasional displays, which avoided excessive exposure to the sun, helped to preserve the vividness of the colors. Restorations were carried out regularly, but were insufficient to prevent the wear and tear of certain pieces. Although thorough cleaning was undertaken, it was no more than once a century!
In the 18th century, tastes changed. The rood screen was demolished and the tapestries were taken down. The conditions for their preservation were less than ideal, as they were stored in the attic of the collegiate church.
However, while the statuary and furniture of the collegiate church were destroyed during the French Revolution, the tapestries escaped this fate, perhaps because they were hidden from the eyes of the destroyers.
New appreciation
Rediscovered in the 19th century, the collection was restored, revealing details that had been hidden by dust and dirt. One of the pieces was even found being used as a rug in a house in the town. Local religious sisters who cared for the poor and the sick carried out the restoration.
For decades, the tapestries were rarely displayed. In the mid-20th century, the tapestries were still stored rolled up in the sacristy. They were unrolled on the floor for visitors who wanted to see them.
Conservation issues related to humidity and temperature variations are now well taken into account, following restoration work at the end of the 20th century. The hanging method currently in use avoids strain on the original rings.
This prestigious collection is now available for visitors to admire, except during the cold season, when it’s stored at temperatures more suited to its conservation needs.
