Class Description
The beautifully designed, meticulously crafted artifact known as the Bayeux Tapestry is as personally touching as it is historically and culturally significant. Its 224' of linen panels, onto which women whose identity will never be known painstakingly stitched a narrative in images and words, renders in vibrant detail a conflict that changed the history of western Europe—the Battle of Hastings. That event, in 1066, inextricably wove the futures of the Norman French and the Anglo Saxons into a new relationship. Though often in conflict thereafter, they would construct a new language (English), a new way of organizing (shared governance), and an expanded sense of Europe—with the British Isles no longer apart.
In this 2-session seminar, we will consider the history and the art, beginning with the political context, the issues, the principals, and the events leading up to the Battle. Together we will gain appreciation of the tapestry's aesthetic impact and its contribution to the historical record—understanding people and events while simultaneously enjoying the artistry of design, color, proportion, motion, scope, and composition.
Susanne Dumbleton completed doctoral work in Medieval English Literature at the University at Albany. She has long been interested the political relationship between England and France as key to understanding power and leadership. (She also teaches about Joan of Arc.) She has visited Normandy to view the tapestry and the surrounding countryside.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
No Required Materials
A Brief Syllabus
- The Tapestry as History, Narrative, and Art
- Historical Significance and Legacy of the Tapestry
Cost and Registration
This course is full, but you can still register for the waitlist on Learning Stream.
2 sessions, $100 ($90 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($100), Community Supported ($95), and Sponsor ($105). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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