The Volutes Tapestry, 98 h x 75 w inches (249 x 190 cm) was designed in 1959 by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, one of the great European pioneers of modern art. His signature is woven in the reverse side. “Volutes” is a French word for an architectural description of a kind of scrollwork of shells. This work was made from a small preparatory sketch, expanded in scale to 16-1/2 feet wide. The rectangular wool pile tapestry is woven with an abstract, floral black pattern which is set against a vibrant red background.
The tapestry was handwoven in India. Because of its immensity, a special loom was needed. Consequently, it is the only one of its kind. The fabric is virgin wool, with approximately 100,000 knots per square yard, each knotted individually by hand.
Latitude & Longitude
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Location Description
Located on the north wall in the main lobby of EMC Insurance Companies at 717 Mulberry Street in downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
Year Completed
1959
Collection
Long-Term, More Public Art in DSM
Credit