In the XV century, hunting and hawking—the latter also called
falconry—played a significant part in the social life of the nobility.
These sports and the ability to pursue them in a generous and polite
fashion set the nobility apart from the commoners, and formed the chief
topic of conversation, when war did not call from the slaughter of animals
to the slaughter of men. One of the most necessary implements in falconry
is the lure, used to recall the falcon. In the upper right-hand corner of
the tapestry a man is shown waving a lure in his right hand. The lure is
a pair of wings attached to a cord, to which the falcon is trained to
return because accustomed to find food there. The mode of carrying the
falcon on the gloved hand is illustrated by several of the personages in
the tapestry. Several of the falcons are still on leash; one has just
been released and thrown up into the air; another is having the hood
removed from his head. The rich costumes illustrate the extravagant
fashions which prevailed in the middle of the XV century, when there was
great competition in dress between the wealthy commoners and the nobility.
Great beauty of color distinguishes this tapestry. The greens and browns
of the foliage form an agreeable contrast with the rich crimson and blue
of the costumes, relieved by passages of green and violet. The Gothic
artist was not afraid to use strong colors, but he knew how to keep them
in harmonious relationship. The simplicity of the design, the purposeful
abstention from realistic effects, which we note in this tapestry, are
virtues in the art of mural decoration that can not be too highly
commended.
[Two Scenes from the Story of Esther. Flemish Tapestry, late XV Century]