The Unicorn Tapestries—In Focus

C. Griffith Mann

October 29, 2026

4 min. watch

Join C. Griffith Mann, Michel David-Weill Curator in Charge of The Met Cloisters and Medieval Art, for a look at the seven individual hangings known as “The Unicorn Tapestries.” Among the most beautiful and complex works of art from the late Middle Ages that survive, the tapestries vividly depict scenes associated with a hunt for the elusive, magical unicorn.

Contributors

C. Griffith Mann
Michel David-Weill Curator in Charge of Met Cloisters and Medieval Art

Production Credits:
Senior Manager of Media Production: Skyla Choi
Series Producer and Director: Ann Collins
Cinematographer and Editor: Lucas Groth
Production Coordinator: Hayley Theisen
Music: Austin Fisher

Special thanks:
C. Griffith Mann
Michel David-Weill Curator in Charge of Met Cloisters and Medieval Art

Art Mentioned

The Hunters Enter the Woods (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp, wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Hunters Enter the Woods (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Purifies Water (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Unicorn Purifies Water (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Crosses a Stream (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Unicorn Crosses a Stream (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Defends Himself (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Unicorn Defends Himself (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Hunters Return to the Castle (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Hunters Return to the Castle (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Rests in a Garden (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Unicorn Rests in a Garden (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Surrenders to a Maiden (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven) — The Unicorn Surrenders to a Maiden (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
French (cartoon)/South Netherlandish (woven)
1495–1505

The Unicorn Surrenders to a Maiden (from the Unicorn Tapestries), Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts, South Netherlandish — The Unicorn Surrenders to a Maiden (from the Unicorn Tapestries)
South Netherlandish
1495–1505

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