'The Song of the World', Jean Lurçat's Monumental Testament Work, Returns to Aubusson

Decades after its creation, Jean Lurçat's monumental work The Song of the World is back on the walls of the Cité internationale de la tapisserie in Aubusson. Made between 1957 and 1966, this tapestry is often regarded as the master's artistic testament, as he revolutionized contemporary tapestry by stripping it of the academic codes inherited from the 17th century. Lurçat, who died in 1966, left his mark on art history through his use of wool and his bold chromatic palette.

The exhibition, held in the prestigious setting of the Cité internationale de la tapisserie, presents all ten pieces of this work. The return of the tapestry to the town where it was woven is a major event for textile art enthusiasts. Visitors can admire approximately 900 square meters of wool and linen, a dreamlike fresco blending human figures, animals, and plant motifs, interspersed with poetic inscriptions by the artist himself.

This return is part of the ongoing efforts of the Cité internationale de la tapisserie to promote the local woven heritage, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Since its inception, the institution has been dedicated to preserving and displaying masterpieces of this tradition while supporting contemporary creation. The Song of the World, long kept in museums, finds here a setting worthy of its scale, a dialogue between past and present.

Beyond its retrospective aspect, the event is set to be a highlight for the town of Aubusson, which hopes to attract a wide national and international audience. Guided tours and educational workshops are planned to help visitors understand the weaving techniques and the audacity of Lurçat's gesture. This exhibition, both a tribute and a rediscovery, confirms the importance of a work that remains one of the summits of modern tapestry.

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Written by the ADM desk based on Beaux Arts Magazine. Read the original article for the full story.