Sunday, October 20, 2019

Bayeux Tapestry

Deceitfulness could creep in, should I deny that I look forward to the conclusion of your project and your safe return home. The children and I miss you. Oh yeah, Vanilla (white Persian cat) misses you also. In the mean time, I have something exciting to share. Last night I encountered an informative dream that positioned me in the medieval era. In my dream I had the pleasure of examining the Bayeux Tapestry and those closely related. First, please know that the Bayeux Tapestry is not really tapestry but a combination of linen pieces, embroidery with wool thread, to create a larger cloth. According to Sayre (2012) the cloth measures 20 inches tall and 231 feet wide with a unique twist that illustrates historical military events outlining the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest. Latin is the primary language encrypted around and about this masterpiece. Baby, I tell you this was a long, long time ago, all the way back to approximately 1066 and I have never experiences anything close to this scenery. The people’s clothing of that century was relatively unusual in comparison of today and oh my goodness, the weapons were not AK47 assault rifles, shot-guns or any hand-held guns. Neither was it a bang, bang, shoot-em up style fighting. Yet this work of art captures the infamous Battle of Hastings and elements including humans, animals, scenes of nature, ships, and of course buildings. Throughout this dream, people conversed suggesting how beautiful yet informative; resembling a comic strip and eventually many referenced it as the British comic strip (Keye and Garber, 2011). Give me a minute and I will explain it all. Now and then, this work of art remains a topic of discussion. It portrays an important battle that withheld the test to time. As I remember the dream, these are the facts surrounding the Battle of Hastings. Most people thought Harold Godwinson would become King following the death of Edward the Confessor , reigning King. Unbelievable, there were two (2) others, Harald Hardrada and Duke William II, that claimed the thorn; consequently, two (2) invasions; one being the Vikings; yet another being the Normans. Whether it was by blood or marriage, oddly each believed their justification represented the overall perceptive as whey they should be king; off to war it was. In September 1066, the King of Norway, Harald Hardrada, invaded first; however, after strategically planning his combat, King Harold II defeated Hardrada. Needless to say, shortly thereafter on September 28, 1066, the second Battle of Hastings began. Duke William II led the Norman invasion. Crowned king for a short period, King Harold II led the English. Just imagine; both leaders were the â€Å"II†. In the pursuit of power and a quest to increase territory, Duke William II believed, with the help of Italy, he could over through the English. Unlike today, walking or horseback served as the means of transportation. The Normans out powered the English and you know it, they lost because their primary source of transportation was by foot. On December 25, 1066 Duke William II became King of England. This will be the last time that the English loses in battle (Berry, 2010). Although the Bayeux Tapestry is a linen fabric, many consider it a valuable document because it illustrates a major historical event. This masterpiece of art depicts a series of scenes from the first point of invasion through Duke William II becoming King. The art work consists of 623 individuals, namely men. You know what they thought of us omen; some believe that only three (3) encircled the men. Apparently the artist loved animals because they stitched over 200 horses, 50 dogs and 500 birds along with other animals to reveal the story. Oh, I forgot to tell you that it is not certain who conducted the work; however, many believe that King William’s wife was instrumental in the project. Regardless, seamstress took extreme care in the selection of an array of colors, including variations of blues, greens, tan, yellow and beige (Keye and Garber, 2011). Astonishingly, after over 940 years the Bayeux Tapestry remains in remarkable conditions. Berry (2010) suggests that it endured numerous threats and shifted to different holdings to avoid destruction. For example, in 1792 the French Revolution posed the Bayeux Tapestry first threat and again in 1794. The invasion of England in 1803 imposed another threat; however, Napoleon Bonaparte, a brilliant military leader, recognized the unstated value of the cloth and quickly demanded shelter for its safekeeping. World War II posed as the final threat. People learned of the unmentionable value, townships became proactive and endured risking their life for its return. After a brief stay in Paris, in 1945 the Bayeux Tapestry returned to its final home Bayeux, France. The Bayeux Tapestry, a work of art, is an important source of information because it identifies the popular clothing design. The decorating style reflects the handmade work including styles for both men and women. Unlike today fashion, men’s clothing resembled a lady’s dress with a hemline just above the knee. Socks leveled the knee with an affixed tassel. Robbed in custom made cloaks and capes that drape the body, men’s fashion marked a powerful statement. Designed differently quickly identified position, kings, lords, nobles, knights and peasants. Nonetheless, clothing was warm and comfortable and always suited for battle. It appears the fashion design switched because currently lady’s garments resemble the men of the medieval era. Yet during that period, lady’s gothic robes swept the floor surrounded with a matching scarf and cape. The chosen cloth, whether for men or women, usually radiant in color, portrayed the crafty work prepared by selected seamstress (Bednarz, Miyares, Schug, amp; White, 2006). My love, words are too vague to put into picture the beauty of these incredible clothing. Just like the clothing, the characteristics of military during the Battle of Hastings, differed from current warfare. Soldiers dressed in heavy attire such as chains, helmets, and plated armor. This warfare excluded guns such as AK47 assault rifles and shot-guns; after all, these inventions waited discovery. Even gun power evaded battle as it too had not surfaced the scene. (Bednarz et al, (2006) found that soldiers exercise care when using axes, bows, daggers, knives, and swords that displayed crafty skills. Some of these weapons reminded you of the Musketeers as seen on television. Additionally, no tanks or motor vehicles dominated the conflict. Military used horses or foot soldiers to maneuver the terrain to conquer in battle Now after a review at all that transpired, let me share my opinion. The Bayeux Tapestry demonstrated disarmament yet unity. Both King Harold II and Duke William II engaged in actions to reduce the English supply of manpower and weapon to achieve power which paints the disarmament. The political system did not symbolize a hierarchy or central government. Sometimes the less powerful acquired land in return for military favors thus obtaining influence beyond measure. As a result, many revolved to the Roman Catholic Church or military leaders for guidance. Imagine me as the authoritative leader. I would have entered into battle just as King Harold II and Duke William II. After all each presented justification for their action. I too find is necessary to fight for what I believe is rightfully mine. Trust me, should the occasion arise, I will fight to the bitter end to defend us. Additionally the Bayeux Tapestry expresses unity. Seamstress harmonized while working converting a simple cloth into a living document. Eventually life improved, incomes increased and with these changes, individuals became less dependent on church or military. Just as today, individual moved to larger townships or established new ones resulting in a modern society. Well Tyren, it is late, I finished this homework assignment and now I am retiring to bed; pleasant dreams. Love you. Sincerely yours, Tanika Ross Loving Wife References Bednarz, S. W, Miyares, I. M. , Schug, M. C. , amp; White, C. S. (2006),

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