Lady Godiva

The legendary figure Lady Godiva is the subject of this tapestry “Lady Godiva” from the work of artist John Collier from 1898. The works of Collier specialised in the subject of medieval legends and tales. Lady Godiva or Godgifu in old English, means Gift of God, and was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia from the 11th century. In a legendary tale, the Lady, through her great compassion, appealed to her husband to release his people from oppressive taxes. She appealed again and again, and he eventually agreed to her wishes on the condition that she rides through the streets of Coventry naked. A proclamation was made that everyone would stay indoors and close their windows. One man, known later as Peeping Tom, could not resist and looked upon the Lady as she rode through on horseback. This work shows the Lady on horseback dressed in the court’s regalia, with a sumptuous and harmonious use of color, including bright reds, browns and tans. This medieval tapestry “Lady Godiva” is unlined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.