La dame à la licorne (The Lady and The Unicorn), series of six tapestries woven in Flanders of wool and silk, late XVth century. The suite, on display in the Musée du Moyen-Âge in Paris, is often considered one of the greatest works of art of the Middle Ages in Europe.
Five of the tapestries are commonly interpreted as depicting the five senses – taste, hearing, sight, smell, and touch. The sixth displays the words “À mon seul désir” (to my only desire). The tapestry’s meaning is obscure, but has been interpreted as representing love or understanding. The one featured here is the “Sight”, in which the lady is seated, holding a mirror up in her right hand. The unicorn kneels on the ground, with his front legs in the lady’s lap, from which he gazes at his reflection in the mirror. The lion on the left holds up a pennant. - en.wikipedia.org
This work is even more incredible when seen for real in the museum, believe me.
