abstracted figural design, edged in black; black-bordered shapes in blue and cream, and red and cream stripes, and in solid blue, red, and cream; weaving mounted on a shaped board, edged and backed with black

%C2%A9 Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York %2F ADAGP%2C Paris

Personnage, 1974

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The donor of this tapestry, Gloria F. Ross, worked with Pace Gallery (New York City) and some of the artists they represented to revive the collaborative tradition of painters and weavers working together to create large woven tapestries.

This collaboration involved French artist Jean Dubuffet and Archie Brennan, master weaver of Dovecote Studio in Scotland. The design for this piece was particularly innovative as it moved beyond the typical rectangular format and also included a detachable unit. Figural imagery was a dominant part of Dubuffet's visual statement. A stand-alone "personnage" that could be placed on various parts of the background hanging was a distinct challenge for the weaver, however, who had to surmount, among other things, the technical challenge of creating a smooth finish and mounting system for the irregular profile of the figure.

The Gloria F. Ross archive records indicate that the background tapestry panel, measuring 10' x 6' was sent to Dubuffet in Paris by 1976, but it seems that the figure remained in New York and was known to be in Ross's foyer since the 1980s.

Although we do not own the complete tapestry, the innovative way the figure was created while retaining the essence of Dubuffet's imagery makes this a particularly exciting addition to the museum's holdings. Further research is currently being done on this piece in the hope of obtaining a visual of the original tapestry showing the relationship of figure and background.

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Details
Title
Personnage
Artist Life
1901-1985
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2003.160
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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abstracted figural design, edged in black; black-bordered shapes in blue and cream, and red and cream stripes, and in solid blue, red, and cream; weaving mounted on a shaped board, edged and backed with black

© Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.