A striking large-scale French mid-century wool tapestry entitled Les Phénix, designed by Alain Cornic and produced by Atelier Robert Four, France, circa 1960s.
The composition depicts two highly stylized phoenixes facing one another, arranged symmetrically around a central floral motif. Their sweeping silhouettes are framed by bold radiating solar forms, giving the design a strong sense of symmetry, movement and energy. Deep crimson, scarlet, golden yellow, ochre, olive and charcoal create a vivid and distinctly mid-century palette.
The tapestry belongs to the revival of modern French textile art that developed during the mid-20th century, when contemporary artists translated bold, graphic compositions into large-scale wall hangings. Cornic's imagery combines birds, flowers and solar motifs in a highly stylized vocabulary closely associated with French post-war decorative art.
Rather than being traditionally woven, the design is hand-printed onto wool, a technique expressly identified on the original manufacturer's label as “Tapisserie de laine – Imprimée à la main.” The close-up photographs beautifully reveal the substantial ribbed wool surface, which gives the printed colors considerable texture and depth.
The original Robert Four label remains attached to the reverse and identifies the work as Les Phénix, after a design by Alain Cornic. The label also records this example as No. 75 from a limited edition of 100 and bears Cornic’s autograph signature.
At almost two meters wide, Les Phénix has considerable architectural presence and works particularly well as a statement wall textile above a sofa, console or credenza, or on a large uninterrupted wall. Its saturated palette and strongly graphic imagery make it particularly suited to Mid-Century Modern, Modernist and eclectic interiors.
Technique: Hand-printed / screen-printed wool tapestry
Dimensions: 186 cm Wide × 110 cm High (approximately 73.2 × 43.3 in)
Signature: Signed Alain Cornic within the composition and autograph-signed on the original label
About Alain Cornic
Alain Cornic (born 1920) was a French painter and illustrator whose work became associated with the revival of French tapestry design in the mid-20th century. A pupil of celebrated tapestry artist Jean Lurçat, Cornic developed a distinctive decorative vocabulary of stylized birds, animals, flowers and solar motifs, often rendered in strong, saturated colors. His designs were produced as tapestries by workshops including Robert Four in Aubusson, where works such as Les Phénix were hand-printed onto wool in limited editions.
Condition
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with its age and use. The colors remain particularly vibrant. Original manufacturer's label retained on the reverse. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition and details.
Interior images are shown for visual context only. Decorative accessories not included.
Shipping & Insurance
This item will be carefully packed and shipped fully insured.
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