La licorne passe sur la mer
Material: Wool, manufactured by Atelier Pinton, Felletin, France.
Dimensions : 216 x 275 cm – 85 x 108 in
Date: 1960
Edition: Out of 5
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: Private French collection
Detailed information
Le Corbusier “La licorne passe sur la mer” Tapestry
Le Corbusier’s “La licorne passe sur la mer” tapestry (The unicorn crosses the sea) is a striking textile work created in 1960, reflecting the architect and artist’s unique ability to merge modernist principles with poetic visual language. Handwoven in wool and produced in a limited edition of 1/5 by the renowned Atelier Pinton in Felletin, this large-scale composition (85 x 108 in, 216 x 275 cm) translates Le Corbusier’s graphic universe into a powerful woven surface.
The composition unfolds as a surreal and symbolic scene, where fragmented figures, bold lines, and flat planes of color interact within a carefully structured space. Characteristic of Le Corbusier’s artistic vocabulary, the forms evoke both the human body and abstract elements, creating a visual tension between order and spontaneity. The interplay of deep black, vibrant red, and soft neutral tones enhances the architectural clarity of the design while introducing a sense of rhythm and movement.
Through tapestry, Le Corbusier’s exploration of proportion, balance, and narrative takes on a new material dimension. The handwoven wool enriches the composition with texture and depth, softening the graphic intensity while preserving the strength of the original design. Produced by one of the most prestigious French tapestry workshops, this piece stands as a testament to the collaboration between modern artists and traditional craftsmanship in the mid-20th century.
Preserved in excellent condition and originating from a private French collection, “La licorne passe sur la mer” remains a rare and significant example of Le Corbusier’s contribution to textile art, where architecture, painting, and symbolism converge in a monumental and timeless work.
Detailed information
Le Corbusier “La licorne passe sur la mer” Tapestry
Le Corbusier’s “La licorne passe sur la mer” tapestry (The unicorn crosses the sea) is a striking textile work created in 1960, reflecting the architect and artist’s unique ability to merge modernist principles with poetic visual language. Handwoven in wool and produced in a limited edition of 1/5 by the renowned Atelier Pinton in Felletin, this large-scale composition (85 x 108 in, 216 x 275 cm) translates Le Corbusier’s graphic universe into a powerful woven surface.
The composition unfolds as a surreal and symbolic scene, where fragmented figures, bold lines, and flat planes of color interact within a carefully structured space. Characteristic of Le Corbusier’s artistic vocabulary, the forms evoke both the human body and abstract elements, creating a visual tension between order and spontaneity. The interplay of deep black, vibrant red, and soft neutral tones enhances the architectural clarity of the design while introducing a sense of rhythm and movement.
Through tapestry, Le Corbusier’s exploration of proportion, balance, and narrative takes on a new material dimension. The handwoven wool enriches the composition with texture and depth, softening the graphic intensity while preserving the strength of the original design. Produced by one of the most prestigious French tapestry workshops, this piece stands as a testament to the collaboration between modern artists and traditional craftsmanship in the mid-20th century.
Preserved in excellent condition and originating from a private French collection, “La licorne passe sur la mer” remains a rare and significant example of Le Corbusier’s contribution to textile art, where architecture, painting, and symbolism converge in a monumental and timeless work.
