The Working of the Wool

Woven in 1520, “The Working of the Wool” (Travailler les Laines), now hangs in the Louvre in Paris. Faithful to the original, “The Working of the Wool” chronicles an important time of the year in medieval Europe. It depicts Thomas Bohier, who was an advisor and minister to Charles VII, overseeing the working of the wool. Of course, in real life, Bohier probably never witnessed this process. A wealthy nobleman, he would have left others to do such a menial task. But it was meant to communicate the importance of the annual harvest of the wool, hence Bohier’s presence as a representative of the court. This tapestry is identical to the original in every way. It is lined on the back and has a tunnel for ease of hanging.