The evolution of the modern tapestry market: Impressive growth
The modern tapestry market has experienced spectacular growth in recent years, confirming the growing interest of collectors and art lovers in this form of artistic expression. Long considered secondary to other artistic media such as painting or sculpture, tapestry is now emerging as a dynamic sector of the art market, thanks in particular to the major players who have contributed to its rediscovery. One of the key players in this renaissance is the Galerie Hadjer, which has been promoting this exceptional art form since 1966.
The tapestry revival: modernity and abstraction
Since the mid-twentieth century, iconic artists such as Le Corbusier, Jean Lurçat and Fernand Léger have helped to redefine tapestry as an art form in its own right. Their approach, often marked by abstraction and geometry, appealed to a public hungry for unique pieces. This renewed interest is also linked to the revival of traditional techniques, revisited in a modern language.
The Galerie Hadjer, founded in Paris in 1966, played a crucial role in this process. It has highlighted the historical and artistic importance of tapestry, while supporting contemporary artists and renowned workshops such as those at Aubusson and Les Gobelins. A pioneer in the field, the gallery has captured the attention of collectors around the world by exhibiting major works and promoting dialogue between ancient and contemporary textile art.
Spectacular auctions
Recent auctions testify to the growing importance of modern tapestry. One of the highlights of this trend was the spectacular sale of a tapestry signed by Le Corbusier for the record sum of 416,000 euros at an auction in Paris on the 18/09/24. This work, created in the 1950s, illustrates the innovative approach of the artist, who saw tapestry as an ideal way of transposing his architectural and artistic ideas into a decorative setting.
The popularity of pieces signed by iconic figures of modernism is due in part to the work of galleries such as Hadjer, which has patiently educated collectors in the richness and complexity of this art form. Since its beginnings, the gallery has been able to showcase rare and precious pieces, often unknown to the general public, contributing to their rediscovery and to their valuation on the art market.
Why this interest?
Interest in modern tapestries is based on several factors. Firstly, the artistic value of textile works, long underestimated, is increasingly recognised. Thanks to initiatives like those of the Galerie Hadjer, the market has become aware of the complexity and beauty of tapestries, both technically and aesthetically. Tapestries offer an alternative to more traditional media such as painting, and appeal to a public looking for unique and original pieces.
The rarity of tapestries, which are often produced in very limited editions or even as one-off pieces, also contributes to their appeal. Their hand-crafted production requires exceptional know-how and a considerable investment of time, which makes them precious in the eyes of collectors. These works also have a tactile and monumental dimension that sets them apart from other art forms.
What’s more, tapestry blends perfectly into contemporary interiors, adding texture, warmth and visual depth. Galerie Hadjer’s work has helped to reposition these pieces as essential elements of interior decoration, while preserving their quality as works of art.
Galerie Hadjer: a pioneering institution
For over five decades, Galerie Hadjer has been dedicated to the promotion and conservation of tapestry, playing a leading role in the re-evaluation of this art form. By exhibiting works ranging from the classical period to contemporary creations, the gallery has been able to unite an international community of collectors and enlightened enthusiasts.
In particular, the gallery has given greater visibility to modern and contemporary artists, while forging partnerships with cultural institutions and prestigious studios. In this way, it has helped to restore tapestry to its rightful place as an independent and innovative art form.
By offering works by artists such as Le Corbusier, Sonia Delaunay and Pablo Picasso, Galerie Hadjer has helped to elevate tapestry to the status of a major art form, with sales prices that bear witness to this. Its expertise and ongoing commitment to textile art have helped to redefine modern tapestry in the collective imagination.
Future prospects
With results such as those recently achieved at Piasa, where a tapestry by Le Corbusier fetched a record price, it is clear that the modern tapestry market has a bright future ahead of it. Galerie Hadjer will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in this dynamic, revealing new works and supporting contemporary artists who are exploring the infinite possibilities of this medium.
Interest in textiles as art objects continues to grow, and collectors increasingly see tapestry as a valuable and lasting form of investment. The market is becoming increasingly selective, with a growing demand for pieces signed by world-renowned artists or from the best workshops.
Conclusion
The modern tapestry market is booming, driven by a rediscovery of this art form thanks to the work of galleries such as Hadjer, which has been rehabilitating this rich and complex world since 1966. The recent record sale of a tapestry by Le Corbusier at Piasa, for 416,000 euros, is just one example of the growing enthusiasm for this art form. The outlook is promising, and with institutions such as Galerie Hadjer, modern tapestry will continue to establish itself as an essential and sought-after art form in the years to come.
