Composition

The Composition rug is based on a 1924 oil painting by Albert Gleizes, a central figure in the development of Cubism and one of its most rigorous theorists. By the early 1920s, Gleizes had moved beyond analytical Cubism toward a more structured and rhythmic abstraction, where form and movement became the foundation of his visual language. This work reflects that transition, emphasizing clarity, balance, and the orchestration of geometric elements across the surface.

Rather than depicting a recognizable subject, Composition unfolds as a system of interrelated forms. Curved and angular planes interact in a controlled rhythm, guiding the eye through the composition in a continuous, almost architectural flow. Gleizes approached painting as a way of organizing space, and this sense of order is evident here—each element contributes to a larger visual structure that feels both stable and dynamic.

Translated into a handwoven rug, the design gains a new dimensionality. The combination of wool and natural silk introduces subtle contrasts in texture and sheen, allowing the composition to shift gently with changes in light. The woven surface softens the geometry without diminishing its precision, creating a balance between material warmth and formal clarity.

Produced in a limited edition by Atelier Boccara, the rug represents a faithful and carefully considered adaptation of the original painting. The woven signature and numbering are integrated into the design, reinforcing its identity while maintaining the integrity of Gleizes’s composition. The work is documented in the Albert Gleizes Catalogue Raisonné (Somogy éditions d’Art, 1998, vol. I, p. 329), further anchoring its place within the artist’s oeuvre.

Customizable in material, dimensions, and color palette, Composition offers flexibility while preserving the structural harmony and visual rhythm that define Gleizes’s work