The Maiden and the Unicorn

Inspired by the various unicorn / maiden folklores, as well as a bit by the actual Hunt of the Unicorn Tapestries, which I saw many years ago at the Cloisters in New York, as well as the "Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries", this latest piece measures 20 x 26 inches, and is created with mixed media on Fabriano pastel paper. Mixed media includes oil pastels, colored pencils, acrylic, gouache and sharpie.

In folklore, it is said that only a maiden / virgin can capture a unicorn, because she is pure / innocent of spirit and body.

There are two other symbolisms that are read into the unicorn myths. Some believe the unicorn represents Christ, while the maiden is the Virgin Mary. In more pagan mythologies, the unicorn, with his horn, is a potent phallic symbol, and the maiden representing the female principle. Together they are a very potent fertility symbol.

To emphasize this, many tapestries show the virgin holding the unicorn's horn, or the unicorn laying his head upon the virgin's lap. The dog usually represents loyalty.

An interesting article on the symbolism of the unicorn and the maiden can be read here: [link]