Serpent Noir

Sonia Delaunay
Serpent Noir
Collection: Modern Tapestry
Dimensions: 58 x 122 in. (148 x 311 cm)
Material: Handwoven wool tapestry by Atelier Pinton, Aubusson
Artist signature: Signed “Sonia Delaunay”
Serial: Edition /6
Date: December 1971

Sonia Delaunay “Serpent Noir” Tapestry
Emerging from the creative mind of Sonia Delaunay, “Serpent noir” (Black Serpent) stands as an iconic tapestry that encapsulates her bold and innovative artistic approach. Created in 1913, this captivating artwork depicts an abstract serpent, its form rendered in fluid lines and contrasting colors.

Delaunay masterfully employs a harmonious interplay of black, white, and red, creating a visually striking composition. The serpent’s sinuous form meanders across the tapestry’s surface, its geometric patterns and color variations infused with a sense of movement and dynamism. The interplay of light and dark, reminiscent of the interplay between predator and prey, adds to the tapestry’s captivating allure.

Delaunay’s ability to seamlessly blend abstraction and figurative representation is evident in “Serpent noir.” The serpent’s form, while abstract, evokes the grace and power of the animal, its sinuous lines suggesting both movement and the serpent’s natural coiled posture. The interplay of geometric shapes and vibrant colors further enhances the serpent’s abstract yet recognizable form.

“Serpent noir” is a testament to Delaunay’s mastery of color and form, her ability to transform simple elements into a captivating work of art. The tapestry’s bold and innovative approach to abstraction and figuration has earned it a place among the most iconic works of textile art, continuing to captivate viewers with its striking visual language and enduring artistic expression.