110 - SOULAGES, Pierre, after

SOULAGES, Pierre, after Based on the T28 sketch, originally created in 1967. Wool tapestry marked “Soulages” and the weaver’s monogram “P.F.” in the weft at the bottom left, with a ribbon on the back bearing the following inscriptions: “Based on Soulages’s design (SIC!)” Atelier Pinton Frères, weaver 101 x 58 cm History: In 1967, as part of the refurbishment of its Boeing 707s, Air France commissioned 37 tapestries based on designs by contemporary artists, intended for the first-class cabins. Among the artists commissioned were Pierre Alechinsky, Sonia Delaunay, Alfred Manessier, and Pierre Soulages. The tapestry based on Soulages’s design, designated T28, was acquired by Air France from the Galerie de France and woven by Pinton Frères. After it went missing, Air France considered commissioning a new version from Pinton, but ultimately decided against it, as the original piece was likely recovered around 1970. It was displayed in 2003 during the “On Air” exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Our tapestry, also woven by Pinton Frères, features the same design as the Air France piece, but in different color tones. Provenance: Ader, Paris, auction of June 1, 2018