Pablo Picasso

Biography

Pablo Picasso and the Art of Tapestry: A New Dimension in Cubism

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is universally regarded as the dominant artist of the 20th century, having revolutionized art through Cubism and other emblematic movements. While his work is often associated with painting and sculpture, Picasso also left a lasting imprint on the art of tapestry, collaborating with influential figures such as Marie Cuttoli, Pierre Baudouin and Yvette Coquille. His involvement in this field was not simply an extension of his art, but a genuine exploration of new creative dimensions.

One of Picasso’s most striking collaborations was with Nelson Rockefeller, businessman, philanthropist and art enthusiast. Rockefeller, co-founder of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, had a deep knowledge of tapestry and saw the medium as an opportunity to acquire masterpieces without the constraints of the high prices of original paintings. His relationship with Picasso, initiated in the 1960s, was crucial to modern textile art.

At Rockefeller’s instigation, Picasso agreed to see some of his works translated into tapestries, an exercise he was already familiar with thanks to earlier collaborations. Each year, the artist and his patron selected a painting to reproduce, and weaver Madame Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach, whose workshop was located near Saint-Tropez, produced these textile interpretations with exceptional precision and craftsmanship. Rockefeller financed the entire project, and a dozen of Picasso’s major paintings were transformed into tapestries, each produced in triplicate.

The first copy of each edition was acquired by Rockefeller and exhibited at Kykuit, the Rockefeller family residence, with the notable exception of the Guernica tapestry, which was donated to the United Nations. This enduring collaboration not only strengthened Picasso’s interest in tapestry, but also inspired him to collaborate with other craftsmen and further explore the medium.

Picasso’s work in tapestry is a fascinating fusion of his cubist language and textile art, demonstrating how his dynamic compositions can be successfully translated into textures and volumes. At Galerie Hadjer, we invite you to discover a unique collection of tapestries by Pablo Picasso, testifying to the artist’s boldness and innovation. Immerse yourself in the world of one of the greatest masters of modern art, and explore how his vision helped redefine the art of Aubusson tapestry.