Unicorn at the Fountain

This tapestry “Unicorn At The Fountain” shows the hunted unicorn at the fountain cleansing the water, while watched by its hunters. The “Hunt of the Unicorn” series of tapestries are a series of 7 tapestries from 1495-1505. It was thought that they were commissioned by Anne of Brittany, as a celebration of her marriage to Louis XII. This scene is also known as ‘The Unicorn is Found’ and shows the first scene where the unicorn is found after the hunters enters the woods. As the unicorn dips his horn into the water supplied by the fountain, any toxins are cleansed and the water becomes purified. In subsequent scenes, the unicorn is captured, killed and when in captivity becomes alive again, symbolising the power of eternal life of this mystical creature. This unicorn tapestry “Unicorn At The Fountain” is backed with a lining and has a tunnel for easy hanging.