JEAN LURÇAT (1892-1966) FOR ATELIER GOUBELY BELZÉBUTH, CIRCA 1960 coloured wools, woven signature LURÇAT and GG monogram, sewn label verso (170cm x 120cm) Footnote: Note: French artist and weaver Jean Lurçat is widely credited for the revival of contemporary tapestry. Studying in Paris, he was very familiar with the Cubism and Expressionism movements, becoming enmeshed in the circles of Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Henri Matisse. His earliest work incorporated abstracted forms in a colourful palette, clearly derived from his contemporaries. Though he initially worked as a painter, Lurçat became intrigued by tapestry after learning more its history, and downfall as an authentic art form. During the Renaissance, many artworks by painters such as Raphael were re-created as tapestries. As a result, traditional weaving techniques were applied in ways which set out to copy painterly effects of colouring and shading. Lurçat firmly believed that tapestry and paintings were two separate entities, distinguished by the fact that a tapestry is often custom made for the wall on which it is displayed, and thereby works in unison with the surrounding architecture to transform the space it inhabits. He set out to create original and striking compositions; inspired by medieval bestiaries, his work often features mythical beasts and creatures that fill the space entirely. As in the present lot, the central animal dominates and is captured in the midst of movement: entwined with a vivid mass of leafy foliage, creating an incredibly dynamic work. By embracing the origins of tapestry, adopting bold colour palettes and unique energetic compositions, Lurçat helped restore the integrity of a lost art form and re-positioned it as a respected and valued medium of contemporary art.