Dom ROBERT (1907-1997). - Lot 209

Dom ROBERT (1907-1997). Mille fleurs sauvages, 1961. Tapestry in colored woollen thread, made in Suzanne Goubely-Gatien's Aubusson workshop from a cartoon by Dom Robert. Signed lower right, signed and titled on the bolduc on the back. Number 508. Workshop monogram lower left. Height 205 cm - Width 295 cm The bolduc, the invoice for the order dated February 6, 1971 and another invoice dated October 2, 1972, probably corresponding to the date of delivery of the tapestry to the current owner, are enclosed. Provenance: In the late 1960s, the current owner and her husband discovered contemporary tapestry by chance during temporary exhibitions organized by Madame Suzanne Goubely-Gatien in Menton. Seduced, they then frequented the "La Demeure" gallery in Paris and discovered contemporary woven art, notably Picart le Doux, Tourlières, Lurçat and others. They then made several trips to Aubusson, and were captivated by the work of Dom Robert. Wishing to acquire Mille fleurs sauvages, but with the original carton sold out, they contacted Dom Robert and went to the Abbaye d'En Calcat. A sincere complicity was born between the artist and the couple. Regular correspondence followed. Dom Robert authorized a new weaving project at the Goubely-Gatien workshops. It would take a year and a half to weave the tapestry, as shown by the two invoices we enclose: the one for the order, dated February 6, 1971, and the one for delivery, dated October 2, 1972. This tapestry embodies all the artist's soul that so appealed to our collectors: nature, vibrant colors and great spirituality. Note: Dom Robert (1907-1997), the religious name of Guy de Chaunac-Lanzac, after entering the Abbey of En Calcat (Tarn), drew his inspiration from the surrounding nature, and in particular the flora and fauna of the Montagne Noire near the Abbey. This work, with its abundant flora and barnyard animals, is reminiscent of the medieval tapestry tradition. Related works : - A copy signed F. Robert and dated 1961 (lower right) with the Suzanne Goubely-Gatien workshop mark is in the collections of the Musée Dom Robert in En Calcat. - Another signed F. Robert 1961 (bottom right), without workshop mark, is in the collections of the Mobilier National.