Bernard Cathelin

Modern Masters Tapestries selection by Didier Marien

Modern Masters Tapestries proudly presents a rare collection of tapestries by French artist Bernard Cathelin, created in exclusive collaboration with Atelier 3 in Paris. Starting in 1973 with "The Mexican Market", Cathelin entrusted Atelier 3 to translate his bold, color-saturated paintings into handwoven textile masterpieces. These limited-edition works were made without intermediary cartoons—woven directly from his original canvases. Deeply influenced by his travels through Mexico, India, and Japan, as well as his native Drôme, Cathelin’s tapestries radiate warmth, harmony, and painterly depth. Modern Masters Tapestries offers one of the finest selections of Cathelin’s textile art in the world.

Learn more about the artist

Bernard Cathelin Tapestries and Rugs

Bernard Cathelin, a renowned French painter, was born in the vibrant city of Paris in 1919. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his homeland, especially his beloved region of Drôme, a picturesque landscape that held a special place in his heart.

A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Cathelin’s artistic journey was marked by a steadfast commitment to his unique style and technique. He predominantly worked with oil paints on canvas, employing both brushes and palette knives to bring his artistic visions to life.

Cathelin’s vibrant and richly textured palettes were profoundly influenced by the diverse cultures he encountered during his extensive travels. The landscapes of Drôme, his childhood home, served as a constant source of inspiration, deeply imbuing his work with a sense of place and belonging. His travels also led him to Mexico, India, and later in his life, Japan. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and spiritual traditions of these countries left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibility.

Japan, in particular, ignited a profound fascination within Cathelin. The country’s rich artistic heritage, particularly its architecture, deeply resonated with him. From the intricate details of Shinto shrines to the harmonious simplicity of Zen gardens, Japanese aesthetics permeated Cathelin’s work, influencing his compositions and color choices.

Throughout his artistic career, Cathelin remained true to his roots, continuously drawing inspiration from the landscapes and cultures that had shaped him. His paintings are a testament to his deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world, offering a glimpse into the artist’s personal journey through art and exploration.

Bernard Cathelin and Atelier 3

In July of 1973, Bernard Cathelin commissioned Atelier 3 to create his first tapestry – The Mexican Market. This would be the start of a lifelong, and even post-mortem, exclusive relationship between Cathelin and Atelier 3.

They became an almost homogenous entity, combining the style of Bernard Cathelin’s paintings with the superior weaving talents of those at the atelier, and produced an exquisite collection of one of a kind tapestries with a unique, handwoven texture that can only be created by the hands of true artisans.

This work is entirely manual, with no “diagrams,” just the original work facing the loom.

Atelier 3 continues to create tapestries designed by Bernard Cathelin under the impetus of Boccara Gallery to this day.

“Cathelin has a Venetian universe that is structured with precision, asserting itself in simplicity. One can imagine the happiness of the weavers chosen to weave Cathelin’s tapestries: transcribing colorful and richly textured paintings, searching for fibers that will accurately translate the richness, intensity, and vitality captured in the paintings where shapes and colors correspond.”

Charlotte Hug