The Lady and the Unicorn (modern title) are a set of six tapestries each with a slightly different image to depict different aspects of human senses. The six tapestries are titled, Taste, Hearing, Sight, Smell, Touch, À Mon Seul Désir (perhaps desire). You may wish to read more here.

Our tapestry is based on the one titled "À Mon Seul Désir".

This tapestry is wider than the others, and has a somewhat different style. The lady stands in front of a tent, across the top of which is written "À Mon Seul Désir", an obscure motto, variously interpretable as "my one/sole desire", "according to my desire alone"; "by my will alone", "love desires only beauty of soul", "to calm passion". Her maidservant stands to the right, holding open a chest. The lady is placing the necklace she wears in the other tapestries into the chest. To her left is a low bench with bags of coins on it. It is the only tapestry in which she is seen to smile. The unicorn and the lion stand in their normal spots framing the lady while holding onto the pennants.

This tapestry has elicited a number of interpretations. One interpretation sees the lady putting the necklace into the chest as a renunciation of the passions aroused by the other senses, and as an assertion of her free will. Another sees the tapestry as representing a sixth sense of understanding. Various other interpretations see the tapestry as representing love or virginity. It is also debated whether the lady in "À Mon Seul Désir" is picking up or setting aside the necklace.

It is not an exact colour match but it is a true representation of the original image. The red in these images is enhanced with flash photography and the actual product is a deeper, darker red.

Size: 82cm * 69cm

The tapestries are thick and feel luxurious.

The back of each tapestry is lined with black material and is fitted with a material loop sleeve along the top for easy hanging.

Originals at the Cluny Museum