The history of embroidered design on garmentry can be documented back to ancient Egypt where the use of linen cloth was prevalent and stitch patterning of silver, gold, and colored silk threads would pattern tunics or dress the hems of clothing. Burial remains of Pharaohs and their entourage give proof to the value and use of embroidered cloth. Mention of needlework in biblical texts also attests to the favor of embroidery among populations in the Middle East over millenia as a form of ornamentation or as particularly suited to covering edges of clothing that had been frayed and worn over time. The Babylonians traded their embroidered fabrics with the Greeks and generally the Mediterranean region had access to the skill in decorative work practiced along the Euphrates River.

The use of decorative needlework was extensive in Medieval Europe as well and there are numerous references to traditions of embroidery in western convents and as an art practiced and known to women in general of this time period. At the turn of the first millenium, pictorial embroidery had spread and become refined to such an extent throughout Western Europe that it was considered as a branch of painting that could reproduce portraits and renditions of animals to equal effect as floral designs and geometric patterning.

Embroidered garments were favored by the Church and the complemented the growing liturgical tradition while the noble classes would distinguish themselves also in the use of extensively ornamented fabrics. Women’s lives during this era were furthermore largely circumscribed by social codes and they had to spend much of their time indoors; families would send their daughters to their lords’ castles to learn embroidery, spinning and weaving and prepare them for a life of dedication to the delicate arts. It was a skill that was highly esteemed and every young lady was expected to have a certain level of accomplishment in it. Royal ladies such as Queen Katharine of Aragon, Catherine de Medici, Mary Queen of Scotland were renowned for their skill with the needle. Embroidery pattern books from the 16th century do reflect on the practice of embroidery among monks but it remained largely a practice particular to the woman’s role as a domestic being..

*image– 17th century embroidered bag
*image– 17th century, section from the Basing House raised embroidery

European Wall Tapestries are an elegant way to subtley enhance the wall space of your living room or den. These beautiful wall hangings are reproductions of famous historical tapestries found in museums around the world. Our art tapestries are reproductions of great artists such as George Botich, Lori Lynn Simms, Malenda Trick, Monet, Art Fronchowiak, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh. Tapestries can be ideally placed over a sofa, a fireplace, in a hallway or any wall requiring elegant historic decor.

Wall Tapestries Beauvais Tapestry Bouquet Cornemuse Tapestry Cabbage Leaves Tapestry II Danse Au Jardin Tapestry

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