Dressing the Wise and Foolish Virgins
In this recording, tapestry weaving instructor Laura Berlage of Erindale Tapestry Studio does a deep dive into the beloved Norwegian billedvev tapestry, The Wise and Foolish Virgins, as she shares how the simple question “What are these women wearing?” transformed into an enchanted journey. Learn how this visual theme intersects Norwegian-Danish history, climate change, the plague, religion, secular expectations of women in marriage, and the production of these tapestries in social context. Learn how her collaboration with The Tudor Tailor inspired the creation of a miniature interpretation of what the tapestries depict in real form, from the smock up to the crown. Also, find out how learning to visually “read” these tapestries gives us tantalizing hints into the fashions of the era. This visually-rich presentation is infused with stories, details, insights, and deep questions that help us think about these iconic tapestries in a new and layered way.
Learn more about Laura Berlage here.