Silence Blanc

Silence Blanc is a rare and early tapestry by Mathieu Matégot, woven circa 1960 by the historic Atelier Tabard in Aubusson. As one of the first tapestries produced from Matégot’s designs—and notably among the few executed by the Tabard workshop before his later collaborations with Atelier Pinton—this work occupies a significant place within the artist’s textile oeuvre.

Matégot’s practice, shaped by a wide-ranging engagement with design, architecture, and decorative arts, reflects a deeply modern sensibility. Though he began as a painter, his move into tapestry in the mid-20th century allowed him to explore abstraction through material and scale, aligning his work with broader developments in postwar European art.

The composition of Silence Blanc is defined by a refined balance between structure and openness. True to its title, the work suggests a quiet, controlled energy—where form emerges through restraint rather than excess. Abstract shapes are arranged with clarity and intention, creating a composition that feels both architectural and fluid. The contrast between lighter tonal areas and deeper accents reinforces this sense of equilibrium, allowing the eye to move across the surface in a measured rhythm.

Matégot’s visual language draws from the legacy of Cubism while anticipating the expressive freedom of later abstraction. The influence of artists such as Picasso and Braque can be felt in the fragmentation and organization of form, yet the work maintains a distinct identity rooted in clarity, balance, and spatial awareness.

The translation into tapestry enhances these qualities. The wool medium introduces softness and depth, subtly diffusing the edges of the composition while preserving its structural precision. Atelier Tabard’s expertise ensures a faithful and nuanced interpretation, where the interplay of texture and tone becomes integral to the overall effect.

Of particular importance is the rarity of this example. Although conceived as part of an edition of six, only this first piece was ultimately produced, making it effectively unique. Combined with its early date, distinguished provenance from the collection of Didier Marien, and excellent condition, Silence Blanc stands as a highly significant work—bridging modern design and the enduring tradition of Aubusson tapestry.