Viking Sea Art Collection

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AS05_2_01F.indd 1 08/09/2014 16:05 MAIN STAIRS | DECKS 1–8 THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY Dating back to the 11th century, the Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most famous works of art in the Western world from medieval times, and one of the supreme achievements of the Norman Romanesque. It is a historic monument that documents and retraces a series of events that took place in Normandy and in England in the second half of the 11th century. The Bayeux Tapestry documents William the Conqueror’s invasion of England and the death of Anglo-Saxon King Harold in the Battle of Hastings. French descendants of Viking leaders and kings played pivotal roles. King Harold was a son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, appointed by Knut the Great, son of Svein Forkbeard and grandson of Harald Bluetooth—both Vikings. Before the battle, at Stamford Bridge, Harold had fought off legendary Viking warrior King Hardrada of Norway. William the Conqueror led an invading army. A descendant of the Viking chieftain Rollo, William shook England’s shore when he arrived with a fleet of 600 ships, many of which were built in the traditional Viking clinker style. Soon after Harold’s demise, William took the throne of England. Key scenes depict Harold’s coronation, William’s ships crossing the English Channel and the Battle of Hastings. BAYEUX TAPESTRY RENDITION | 2014 22

MAIN STAIRS | DECKS 1–8 The origins of the Bayeux Tapestry are uncertain. The first written record of the tapestry is from 1476, when it was recorded in the cathedral treasury at Bayeux, as “a very long and narrow hanging on which are embroidered figures and inscriptions comprising a representation of the conquest of England.” The Bayeux Tapestry was most likely commissioned in the 1070s by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half brother of William the Conqueror. The original tapestry is over 70 meters long and depicts 626 human figures, 190 horses, 35 dogs, 506 other birds and animals, 33 buildings, 37 ships and 37 trees or groups of trees, with 57 Latin inscriptions. Although it is called a tapestry, it is in fact embroidered, stitched not woven, in woolen yarns on linen. Some historians argue that it was embroidered in Kent, England. The Bayeux Tapestry has survived almost intact for over nine centuries, and the original is today preserved and displayed in Bayeux, Normandy, France. Its exceptional length, the harmony and brilliance of its colors, its exquisite workmanship and the fascinating history it recounts, makes the Bayeux Tapestry endlessly captivating. 23