Bayeux Tapestry Analysis

For generations, many have studied the beautiful works that inspired art from early Christian art to Romanesque to Gothic art. Some of the most notable styles of medieval art include works from Anglo-Saxon art and Byzantine Art among many others. These periods are known for vivid colors and breath taking mosaics and tapestries that are still frequently admired today. One of most iconic pieces of Angelo-Saxon would be the Bayeux Tapestry. Mosaic was also a widely-practiced form and the most defining genre of art during the medieval Byzantine Empire (Roberts). The most notable being the Byzantine Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. Along with beautiful tapestries and breath taking mosaics, the medieval time also brought out some inspiring gospels.

This tapestry represents much more that the warfare of the Angelo-Saxon’s and the Normans. This tapestry introduces an insight to how these cultures dressed, their choice in architecture, as well as religious symbolism. These vivid colors really make this tapestry eye catching. Giving us a good idea of what life could have been like in that time. Many have compared the tapestry to a modern-day comic strip. Although the comparison is silly, there is an essential difference. The essential difference between a comic strip and the Bayeux tapestry is that the same character can be depicted more than once in the same scene. It is the case when Harold crosses the Channel: he is seen firstly in his home, then boarding the boat, then holding the helm and finally being taken prisoner by Guy of Ponthieu (Neveux). The tapestry contains many scenes in which various acts can be sited. It is no wonder this tapestry has captured many eyes throughout

The gospels are considered a defining example of the Insular Art which flourished in Anglo-Saxon regions and combined elements of Celtic, Mediterranean and Anglo-Saxon art styles (Roberts). Throughout the gospels, you will find a range of vivid and beautiful calligraphy work with an intricate design such as a spiral styled alphabet and knot-work calligraphy colors. This book would be frequently used by monks during their rituals on Holy Island. Holy island is a Christian community that would safeguard the shrine of St Cuthbert. in 1536, the Dissolution of the Monasteries was ordered by Henry VIII. The priories of Lindisfarne and Durham were broken up, and the Gospels were believed to have been seized by the king's commissioners and sent to London for the jeweled casing to be removed (BBC). Thankfully the gospels remain in excellent condition for many generations to