"The Unicorn purifies water" Tapestry

After a full restoration of the colors and all the characters, this classic tapestry is finally back to its original splendor. This is how it must have looked when it was first created, with its vibrant sky and its vivid contrast of greens and reds.

"The Unicorn purifies water" is one of the most beautiful scenes of the Unicorn Tapestries series. Here a white unicorn kneels in front of a fountain, and purifies the stream where all the other animals have come to drink. Exotic and ferocious creatures are all subdued during this peaceful ritual, but a threat comes from behind: a hunter has spotted the unicorn and points it out to all the other hunters. The unicorn could escape, being notoriously stronger and faster than any other creature, but it decides to stay. This is because the Unicorn in these tapestries represents Christ who willingly embraces his sacrifice. He also represents a Lover, who wants to be caught by his beloved. 

To explore all the surprising meanings of the Unicorn Tapestries, click here to read our Blog article.

The story of the Unicorn Tapestries is as unique as their meaning. Seized during the French Revolution and bound to be destroyed, their beauty saved them from burning. They were recovered half a century later in a barn were they were used to cover vegetables: the farmer believed they were "old curtains."

During this time of abuse and neglect, the tapestries lost some areas of weave and the colors faded. We have digitally restored the artwork, bringing the colors back to life and reconstructing missing patches. We chose a conservative restoration, preserving when possible the signs of antiquity, to keep this work authentic.

You can match this tapestry with the "Unicorn in the Garden" Tapestry, or choose the canvases instead (see Related Products below).