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E.J. Moon's avatar

This might be one of the best posts I have ever seen. The attention to detail, the image clarity, and the essay itself..it’s a masterclass in putting together an engaging piece.

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Ben Loomis's avatar

Wow, thanks, I appreciate that! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This is actually the first in a trio of linked essays that I'll post every two weeks or so. The next one is on the unicorn in medieval thought, and then the final will be a very close look at the two famous unicorn tapestry cycles in the Cluny and Met museums.

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Charlotte Henley Babb's avatar

I knew there were tapestries but I did not know about them as an artistic industry or that they preceded the use of oil paints. This was very informative and inspiring. I love fabrics, but don't have the patience or skill for weaving, crochet or other fabric arts.

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Ben Loomis's avatar

I wouldn't have the patience for these either! But I find them fascinating. Yes, oil paints were "invented" (tranformed into the medium we know today from a much less useful form) in the early 15th C in the Low Countries. Possibly by the famous Van Eyck brothers.

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E.J. Moon's avatar

You had my undivided attention at unicorn tapestry.

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Ruth Valentine's avatar

Fascinating ,- I'll look more closely. But aren't those early Latin American ones extraordinary!

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Ben Loomis's avatar

Yes they are! They weren’t quite on topic but I had to share them!

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