The Hunters Return to the Castle (from the Unicorn Tapestries) RE360961

"The Hunters Return to the Castle," a captivating segment of the Unicorn Tapestries, brings together two poignant episodes from the hunt narrative. Created between 1495–1505, this tapestry is currently displayed at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 17, where its rich symbolism and intricate detail continue to enthrall viewers.

At the left of the composition, two hunters drive their lances into the neck and chest of the unicorn, while a third delivers the final blow from behind. This scene, filled with violence and tension, symbolizes the climax of the hunt. Interestingly, in some interpretations, the unicorn serves as an allegory for Christ, with the holly tree rising behind its head possibly alluding to Christ's Passion.

On the right side of the tapestry, a lord and a lady receive the body of the unicorn in front of their castle. Surrounded by attendants and curious onlookers, they stand as solemn witnesses to the aftermath of the hunt. The unicorn's body, slung on the back of a horse, bears the marks of its ordeal, with its horn already cut off and entangled in thorny oak branches—a poignant reminder of Christ's suffering, perhaps symbolized by the Crown of Thorns.

Through its masterful composition and rich symbolism, "The Hunters Return to the Castle" invites viewers to contemplate themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the cycle of life and death. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring allure of medieval storytelling and the timeless mysteries of the unicorn legend.

The Hunters Return to the Castle (from the Unicorn Tapestries) RE360961