Signed Vintage French Aubusson Tapestry "Cybele" by René Fumeron - Rug & Kilim

Details

Description

Handwoven in wool circa 1960, this 4x6 vintage modern Aubusson tapestry, titled Cybele, is a prized René Fumeron work. This … Read more Handwoven in wool circa 1960, this 4x6 vintage modern Aubusson tapestry, titled Cybele, is a prized René Fumeron work. This signed masterpiece captures the mid-century tapisserie revival through a striking abstract Fauvist color theory.

On the Design:

This legendary Aubusson tapestry is an absolute masterclass in lyrical mid-century surrealism, drawing on ancient mythological themes to construct a stylized, dreamlike landscape where two distinct worlds interact on a single plane. Named after Cybele, the ancient Phrygian deification of Mother Nature, the composition presents a beautifully flattened, segmented wilderness. A massive, textured tree branch blankets the upper register, where a striking, stylized coral-red bird stands sentinel against a vibrant orange sun. Below this canopy, the perspective seamlessly shifts down into an aquatic forest floor populated by a school of multi-colored, koi-like fish swimming among ghostly tree trunks. René Fumeron’s graphic genius lies in his ability to collapse the boundaries between land, sky, and water. The result is a design that is neither fully realistic nor completely abstract, but immensely pleasant and strong in style.

The visual language reflects the absolute peak of the mid-century modern French tapestry movement, representing an investment-grade work. Fumeron, a celebrated painter and master cartonnier, designed this piece during the 1960s for the renowned Aubusson workshop of Robert Four. Rather than duplicating a painting, the artist utilizes a specialized staccato hatching technique that gives the foliage a beautifully blocky, pixelated quality. Every leaf is meticulously outlined in clean ivory wool, while the fish feature complex mosaics of red, cream, and charcoal flecks. Utilizing a typical mid-century palette of olive green, mustard yellow, and warm ochre, this 4x6 masterpiece bears Fumeron's woven signature alongside its original signed label on the reverse. It is a magical textile that blends effortlessly into period decor or contemporary spaces alike, perfectly explaining the tremendous demand for his work today.

Condition:

This signed Tapestry enjoys good condition for its age and origin – ideally intended for use in wall-hanging projects. See less