Inspired by the 15th-century tapestries known as "La Dame à la licorne" (muse de Cluny, Paris), this painting combines elements from medieval and Renaissance art, along with an almost abstract, seemingly unfinished nature scene in the upper right-hand corner. Moreau explained that the women depicted were meant to be raising unicorns. The lady standing on the left wears a costume that resembles the dress of the lady in the unicorn tapestries. There are many fascinating details in this visually and intellectually rich painting.