The Lady and the Unicorn TapestryThis tapestry, woven in Flanders for a nobleman at the French court, expresses many of the ideals of noble life. A beautiful young woman stands in front of a tent with battle flags. On her right is a lion, symbol of earthly power. On her left is a unicorn, a beast that could be captured only by a virgin. Medieval people viewed the unicorn as an allegory both of Christ (who was “captured” by the Virgin Mary when he was born) and of an earthly lover tamed by his beloved. The enigmatic words on the top of the tent, French for “to my only desire,” may refer to either spiritual or romantic love, for both were viewed as appropriate motivations for noble action. (Musée nationale du Moyen Âge et des Thermes de Cluny, Paris/Giraudon/The Bridgeman Art Library)