Musee Cluny

After we spent some time at the Luxembourg Gardens we walked over to the Musee de Cluny, which has the most amazing tapestries from the 1400's. The most famous are the series of 6 called La Dame a la Licorne, or, The Lady and the Unicorn. Five of the tapestries are devoted to the 5 senses, and the 6th is called A Mon Seul Desir, or To My Soul Desire, a reflection of vanity, or, some interpretations are Love or Understanding. The tapestries are displayed in a dark circular room, with each one spotlighted. It's sort of like walking into a darkened theatre and suddenly seeing these astounding, massive works of art. You could walk right up to them, they were not behind glass, although you couldn't touch them, nor use your flash. These pictures certainly don't do justice to the size, or detail. The backgrounds were filled with whimsical animals, flowers and other little details that don't appear right away. We sat and looked at them for quite some time, the room was so silent and calm. It was a very serene place, and very few people were there. The museum also has a large collection of medieval books and stained glass.