59 - GERMAINE DELFAU (1859–1942)

GERMAINE DELFAU (1859–1942) Geometric motifs, circa 1930 Large rectangular knotted rug. Colored wool. Probably from the “Ecce Algeria” collection. 1930s. Shows signs of use. Signed DELFAU in the weave on the selvedge on the reverse. 336x228 cm Provenance: - An apartment on the Quai d’Orsay decorated by Jansen – Christie’s auction, Paris, October 6, 2015. This piece was lot number 98 in the catalog. - Private collection. Acquired at the previous auction. Related literature: - Henri Klein, “At the Oriental Rug Factory (founded by Mrs. Delfau)” in *Les Feuillets d’El-Djezaïr*—Volume 4, 1912, pp. 23–25. - *L’Art vivant* – No. 167, 1932. A carpet from the Delfau workshop, published by Ecce Algeria, reproduced on page 618. - Clara Ilham Álvarez-Dopico, “A New Tradition: Algiers Ceramics at the Dawn of the 20th Century,” in ABE Journal – [Online], published October 15, 2018. Germaine Delfau Trained in carpet-making techniques in the workshops of major French manufacturers, notably at the prestigious Gobelins Manufactory, Germaine Delfau was a leading figure in the revival and renewal of the artistic carpet industry in Algeria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawing on the knowledge and expertise she acquired in the major factories of France, she founded the first indigenous school in Algiers in 1894 dedicated to carpet weaving by Algerian women. Although she introduced new production methods and decorative designs with decidedly modern motifs intended for the European market, her project aimed to revitalize and preserve local craftsmanship that was in danger of disappearing. Her teaching pursued the dual objective of ensuring a certain level of commercial profitability for production and training the women workers—while at the same time offering them the opportunity to engage in gainful employment compatible with their family and religious traditions. Thanks to the success of her initiative, Germaine Delfau expanded her efforts by establishing several training centers in Algeria and as far as Kairouan, Tunisia. She sometimes enlisted the help of cardboard artisans to create rugs that she oversaw the production of—some of which, those in a purely contemporary style, were sold in France and occasionally exhibited at trade shows; notably, a rug designed by J. Montelius and produced by Ecce Algeria.