The Chateau d'Angers houses within it a major masterpiece from the medieval period, namely the Apocalypse tapestry. It consists of six pieces, which are in turn divided into seven paintings.
It was at the request of Duke Louis I of Anjou that Nicolas Bataille, the most famous tapestry merchant from the 14th century, commissioned 35 painters for the monumental work that can still be admired today. The original cartoons that were used to make the tapestries were designed by Hennequin of Bruges, who was at that time the appointed painter at the court of King Charles V. Seven long years were needed to make the tapestries. The Apocalypse tapestry is Inspired by the last book of the Bible and features the various symbols presented by Saint-Jean. Of the six original pieces, two are now complete. Originally, the total area of this impressive work was 850 m². Nearly 100 m are now on display to the public after an extensive restoration campaign, out of the 150 m originally manufactured.
To contemplate and appreciate the beauty of the Apocalypse tapestry, you will have to travel a little over 30 km from the Château des Briottières. On site, you can admire a historical treasure which almost got lost in the meanders of time. The displacement that the pieces have undergone, combined with the lack of attention and damage, have in fact nearly made the masterpiece disappear. At the end of the 1950s, a new gallery was created in the castle in parallel with the restoration. Even so, the bay window of the time damaged the colors, because the sun attacks the pigment directly. In 1998, the gallery was darkened and the temperature was maintained at 19°C.
La Visit the 104m of the tapestry of the Apocalypse is an edifying cultural experience. The atmosphere of darkness combined with the numerous symbolic characters present in the succeeding paintings cultivate feelings full of paradox in the depths of the visitor. Artistic admiration is mixed with the mystical impressions communicated by the legendary beings who are represented, to name only the eagle of misfortune, the sea beast, the dragon...
Open every day from May 2 to September 4, 9:30am to 6:30pm
September 5 to April 30, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Last access 45 minutes before
Closed
January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11,
December 25
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