Illustrations of the Bayeaux Tapestry from "Les Monuments de la Monarchie française, vol. II"
Author Abbé Bernard de Montfaucon French
Antoine Benoît French
Not on view
This set of illustrations constitutes the first-known complete reproduction of the famous embroidered wall hanging known as the Bayeaux tapestry, made in England in the 11 century AD. The illustrations were commissioned by abbot Bernard de Montfaucon from Antoine Benoit whom he described as the most able draftsman. The artist was asked to record the tapestry faithfully and therefore serves as an important record for the state of the Medieval tapestry before further repairs done in the following centuries. The engravings were used as illustrations in Montfaucon's 'Les Monuments de la Monarchie françaide', published between 1729 and 1733. The engravings in the Museum's collection were removed from an edition of the second volume, published in 1730. One plate is missing from the Museum's set.
