La licorne passe sur la mer

Woven in Aubusson under the direction of master weaver Pierre Baudouin, La Licorne passe sur la Mer represents a pinnacle of Le Corbusier’s late-period graphic style. The composition is defined by a bold, sweeping silhouette of a unicorn traversing a sea of vibrant, rhythmic color blocks, using a limited palette of high-contrast tones to evoke a sense of monumental movement. Conceived not merely as decoration but as a “soft wall,” the work merges the artist’s architectural rigor with a lyrical freedom, translating his complex visual language into the warmth and organic texture of wool.
This piece holds particular historical significance, as it is number 1 and was personally supervised by Le Corbusier during his lifetime—unlike certain works that are posthumous editions or later reissues. It is considered the best textile work of among all Le Corbusier tapestries.

An outstanding piece, all the more remarkable as it has had only a single owner, further enhancing its provenance and desirability.
Complementing this provenance is a fascinating archival letter dated November 28, 1962, written by Le Corbusier to the original collector. In this correspondence, the artist defends the unicorn's feminine nature as a matter of "personal pleasure" and famously defines these tapestries as the modern replacement for mural painting—designed to leave their "place of birth" and resonate personally with their owners. This rare dialogue between artist and collector provides an intimate look into the creation of the piece, transforming it from a masterwork of design into a significant piece of art history.