First plate with scenes from the Bayeaux Tapestry, illustration for "Les Monuments de la Monarchie française, vol. II"

This plate is part of 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 plate represents the first part of the embroidery depicting King Edward the Confessor sending Harold Earl of Wessex to Normandy where he is captured.
The illustrations of the Bayeux tapestry 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.