Dom ROBERT (1907-1997) - Lot 110

Dom ROBERT (1907-1997) "The Golden Tree Aubusson tapestry in polychrome wool decorated with exotic birds on a tree on a blue background. Signed and dated 1957 in the decor, titled, signed and numbered 427 on the reverse Bolduc Woven by the Suzanne Goubely workshop H : 172 cm L : 220 cm Bibliography: "Dom Robert Tapisserie", Edition Julliard, 1980, model reproduced on p. 39. Provenance: Private collection, Paris region DOM ROBERT Guy de Chaunac-Lanzac, born in Poitou on December 15, 1907, had a childhood marked by nature, contrasting with a difficult experience at the Jesuit College. After uninspiring studies at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, he did his military service in Morocco, where he discovered watercolor painting. His return to France led him to the Abbaye d'En Calcat in 1930, where he studied philosophy and theology while reinvesting himself in drawing and painting. In 1941, he created watercolors that were later turned into tapestries. His success in this field led him to retire to England in 1948. In 1958, he returned to En Calcat and began to produce prolifically, establishing important links in the tapestry world. Over the course of his career, he produced some 150 tapestry cartoons, using an innovative color numbering technique. Dom Robert wove the vast majority of his tapestries at the Suzanne Goubely and Tabard Frères workshops, two emblematic sites for art tapestry in France. The Suzanne Goubely workshop, founded by an artist with a passion for textiles, was renowned for its commitment to quality and creativity. It was here that Dom Robert was able to bring his cartoons to life, working closely with experienced weavers who understood his artistic vision. Later, at Tabard Frères, he continued to explore new techniques while remaining true to his unique style. These workshops played a crucial role in the realization of his works, enabling a faithful interpretation of his designs while providing a platform for innovation in weaving. Thanks to this collaboration, Dom Robert was able to create tapestries that captured the beauty of nature and the essence of his artistic inspiration. His works have evolved over the decades, moving from religious themes to representations of nature, with poetic titles evoking the plant and animal world. Dom Robert strives to create an immersive experience through his tapestries, which he considers an artistic promenade. He continued to work until a fall in 1994 put an end to his career. He died on May 10, 1997 in En Calcat, surrounded by his brother monks.