Égoïsme

Artistic rug Égoïsme brings the radical spirit of Francis Picabia into textile form. Known as one of the most rebellious figures of the European avant-garde, Picabia spent his career challenging artistic conventions—from his early involvement with Dada to the striking abstract works of his final years.

The design of the Égoïsme rug is based on a painting created between 1947 and 1950, now held in the collection of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. Against a deep, dark ground, a series of vivid colored circles appear to orbit a central abstract form. The composition reflects Picabia’s late interest in simplified symbols and floating shapes, creating an image that feels both cosmic and slightly enigmatic.

This particular example carries an especially important marking. In addition to the woven signature at the bottom center, the reverse is inscribed “Hors Commerce” (HC), indicating a non-commercial edition. Such pieces were not intended for regular sale but were typically reserved for the artist, the publisher, or institutional presentations.

The wool medium adds an unexpected softness to Picabia’s graphic imagery. The dense dark field provides a dramatic backdrop for the colored forms, giving the composition a sense of depth that anchors the entire design.

Preserved in excellent condition and originating from a French private collection, Égoïsme represents a rare translation of Picabia’s late abstraction into textile form. The rug carries the same provocative spirit that made him one of the most unconventional voices of modern art.