The Unicorn in Captivity

The tapestry depicts a unicorn chained to a tree in a small circular enclosure against a background of various vegetation.

[3] The unicorn resides in a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, enclosed by a gate and chained by its neck to a pomegranate tree, which is an allegory of marriage and fertility.

[4] The unicorn is chained to the tree by a dark belt around its neck that matches the background color.

[3] There is a red substance that drips down the unicorn's neck, which some believe to be the blood of Christ, and others believe it to be the juice of the pomegranate: a symbol of fertility.

The background of The Unicorn in Captivity is filled with illustrations of botanical characteristics; it symbolizes marriage and fertility.

[3] Some of the botanical representations include orchids, carnations, daisies, madonna lilies, strawberry plants, red wallflowers, columbines, thistles, and more.

[3] The carnation is said to have been viewed in medieval times as an emblem of betrothal and marriage, as well as a sign of Christ or the Virgin.