It’s mysterious beauty has inspired poems, songs and other artworks for hundreds of years.

Now, “The Lady and The Unicorn” tapestry can be seen in Paris as it appeared in the middle ages – thanks to a major cleaning and restoration.

The work is actually a series of six wool and silk tapestries that were woven in Flanders in the 16th century and have been displayed in a Paris museum since 1882.

The precious hangings are believed to depict the five senses – and were taken down for repairs nearly two years ago.

A team of five experts cleared dust in the fabric using a special micro vacuum cleaner and re-created plant dyes to restore the tapestry’s vibrant colours.

“The Lady and The Unicorn” has returned to a special room at the Cluny Museum in Paris, where the director of tapestries says “The poetic and positive atmosphere created by the work and the sense of mystery makes The Lady a kind of Mona Lisa.”