The Bayeux Tapestry

[qu0thraven]

I am brainstorming a topic for my class and would be excited to hear other's thoughts on this topic.  Any thoughts at all are of interest to me because I am ashamed to admit that I had not heard of this before.  Perhaps that is why I chose this one for my paper.  I know the basics at this point; history of the Norman conquest, not it isn't really a

Comments

[ultharkitty]

Other very helpful basics (necessary ones if you're an undergraduate):

How large is it?
When was it made?
Where was it made?
How was it made? (It isn't enough to know that it's an embroidery and not a tapestry, it really helps to know what those things are and how someone in the C11th would go about making one)
Who was it likely to have been made by?
Who was likely to have been the patron (who paid for it)?
Where was it originally intended to be displayed? (if known - if not, what are the theories?)

As for resources, I'd avoid using anything online that isn't an academic resource - this is a very famous work, and very famous works attract loads of theories, not all of which are academically rigorous. I'd stick to academic journals (use JSTOR if your institution gives you access) and books.

Also, as you're interested in the borders, Michael Camille's 'Image on the Edge' will be well worth a look (it's not the newest piece of scholarship, but it's accessible, good quality, and fun to read - and it'll give you essential context for studying this work).

I hope at least some of that was helpful :)

Very Helpful

[qu0thraven]

Thank you for bringing up the basics. I am already aware of most if it but I tend to overlook such things as bland and uninteresting while looking for a novel angle or some illuminating tidbit previously overlooked. I am reminded that these basics are in fact essential because they form a basis and a broad context for any further argument.

Academic journals, got it. JSTOR, check. The book looks fabulous, thanks. I was thinking about checking symbolism and imagery in general. I mean from what little I know pictures played a big role in communication; such as trade signs, pennents, coats of arms etc.