Tableaux Sceniques…Watts1874…
The Democratisation of the Tapestry.

Tapestry is an ancient textile art which has been practised all over the world for thousands of years. Traditionally woven by hand on a loom it is the principle means of creating pictures through weaving.

By the early Middle Ages workshops throughout Europe were producing textile hangings, which were among the most prestigious art pieces owned by the well-to-do. When the idea was conceived of representing stories in these weavings, as opposed to decorative patterns, tapestry was launched on its own illustrious career in the figurative arts.