The Spring Violin
Aubusson tapestry woven by the Pinton workshop.
With its signed ribbon, n°2/6.
1956.
Painter and engraver, Lucien Coutaud also worked for the theater with Dullin, Barrault: he created numerous sets and costumes. But it was his meeting with Marie Cuttoli in 1933 that led him to tapestry: she commissioned him mainly to create chair cartoons. Most of the subsequent tapestries were woven at Pinton for the Compagnie des Arts Français, which aimed to integrate tapestry into interior decor. The artist's last three tapestries in 1960 testify to his fame, as 'Exotic Gardens' adorned the First Class lounge of the 'France'.
The qualities of a scenographer influenced by surrealism are reflected in Coutaud's woven work: his universe is figurative, yet stylized (the forms are sharp, hatched), resolutely dreamlike, with unusual borders very often.
The link is close between music and oneirism in Coutaud's universe: he conceives musical still lifes where instruments come to life (cf. »marine harp »), underlined by exuberant borders of eccentricity.
Bibliography :
Cat. Exp. Lucien Coutaud, woven work, Aubusson, Departmental Museum of Tapestry, 1988-1989, illustrated p.50
