Papillons

Papillons is a dynamic tapestry by Jean Lurçat, woven at the Goubely workshop in Aubusson around 1965. The work reflects a more fluid phase of his practice, where structure loosens and the composition begins to move more freely across the surface.

The scene is organized along a diagonal, creating a sense of upward motion rather than a fixed arrangement. From a dense, grounded base at the lower edge, the composition opens into a dark, expansive field where butterflies appear to drift or scatter. This shift from weight to lightness gives the tapestry a strong internal rhythm, guiding the eye naturally across the surface.

The lower section is built from layered, organic forms in deep blues and purples. These shapes feel heavy and rooted, almost geological, yet they contain subtle references to aquatic life. From this foundation, the composition transitions upward into a more open space, where color becomes more concentrated and forms more defined.

The butterflies themselves vary in scale and intensity. Some are sharply outlined, while others seem to dissolve into surrounding bursts of color. In certain areas, these forms take on a radiant quality, as if they are generating their own light rather than simply reflecting it. This effect is heightened by the contrast with the dark ground, which allows the reds, yellows, and oranges to stand out with clarity.

There is less emphasis on containment here. Instead of compartments or strict borders, the elements are allowed to interact more freely, creating a composition that feels in motion rather than fixed.

Papillons captures a shift in Lurçat’s approach—still grounded in his symbolic language, but more open, more fluid, and more responsive to the idea of movement across space.