The Lady and the Unicorn: a timeless masterpiece

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry, created in the early 16th century, is one of the most remarkable treasures of French medieval art. This series of six millefleurs tapestries, housed in the Musée de Cluny in Paris, depicts a mysterious noble lady in an idyllic garden, accompanied by a unicorn and a lion. The first five tapestries illustrate the human senses through delicate scenes, while the sixth, bearing the enigmatic motto 'À mon seul désir', continues to intrigue art lovers.Line The Lady and the Unicorn: a timeless masterpiece

A line of accessories...

Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages © Myphotoagency/Yona Hillat

These products are illustrated with a detail from the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestry on display at the Musée du Moyen Age in Cluny.

Comprising six tapestries, the hangings are among the major works in the Cluny museum. Five of them represent the senses - Touch, Taste, Smell, Hearing and Sight - while the sixth, recognisable by its blue tent, bears the mysterious inscription 'À mon seul désir' ('To my sole desire').

Touch is represented by a lady touching the horn of the unicorn. For hearing, the noble musician plays a portable organ, accompanied by her assistant at the bellows. Sight is expressed through a mirror in which the unicorn contemplates her reflection in the enchanted garden. The sense of smell is expressed in the making of a wreath of flowers, while taste is illustrated by the lady offering a treat to her parakeet. Each tapestry finely combines medieval symbols and representations of the senses on a vermeil red background dotted with flowers.

Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages
Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages
Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages

Decoration...

Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Lady and the Unicorn with our collection of decorative objects inspired by these emblematic tapestries of the Middle Ages. Each piece captures the essence of this major work, bringing a touch of historical refinement to your home.

...And stationery

Paris, Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages

Discover the refined collection of stationery inspired by the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, masterpieces from the Musée de Cluny. This exclusive line includes notebooks, notepads and desk accessories that will allow you to bring the elegance of this major work of medieval art into your everyday life.

Restoration of the Lady of the Unicorn © All rights reserved
Did you know ?
The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries were rediscovered in 1841 at the Château de Boussac by Prosper Mérimée. George Sand mentioned them in 1842 in her novel Jeanne, drawing attention to their artistic value. They were in poor condition but were saved and incorporated into the Musée de Cluny in 1882. The identification of the coat of arms enabled them to be attributed to the Le Viste family, reviving interest in medieval art.

What is the symbolism and significance of The Lady and the Unicorn?

The Lady of the Unicorn illustrates the duality between the earthly and spiritual worlds: the unicorn symbolises purity and the divine, while the lion represents earthly strength and courage.

What is the message of The Lady and the Unicorn?

This work illustrates the balance between the sensual and spiritual worlds, symbolised by the presence of the lion (earthly strength) and the unicorn (purity and spirituality) in each scene. The red background and the harmonious composition of the tapestries unify this message, making this hanging a medieval masterpiece combining courtly refinement and spiritual quest.

Where can I find the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry?

The Lady and the Unicorn is kept at the Musée de Cluny (Musée national du Moyen Âge) in Paris, in the 5th arrondissement. The six tapestries have been on display there since 1882, when they were acquired from the town of Boussac. They are displayed in a specially equipped room, with optimal conservation conditions to preserve these medieval masterpieces.

What is the world's most famous tapestry?

The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidery measuring 70 metres in length, is considered to be the most famous tapestry in the world. Listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register since 2007, it tells the story of William the Conqueror's conquest of England in 1066 through an exceptional visual narrative.