Mathieu MatégotMathieu Matégot - Apollo, tapestry, french, modern, abstract, aubusson, designc.1950s
c.1950s
About the Item
- Creator:Mathieu Matégot (1910, French, Hungarian)
- Creation Year:c.1950s
- Dimensions:Height: 55.91 in (142 cm)Width: 46.46 in (118 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU141427309252
Mathieu Matégot
With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Mathieu Matégot - Castille, tapestry, french, modern, abstract, aubusson, designBy Mathieu MatégotLocated in London, GBMathieu Matégot (1910-2001) Castille c.1950s Aubusson tapestry, Pinton Frères; (probably) unique 156 x 120 cm signed ‘Matégot’ and with the Pinton Frères monogram (lower right); titled, inscribed, numbered and signed (workshop label on the verso) Price: $14,000 USD Provenance: Barry Friedman Ltd, New York (stock no. BF11410) Notes: Mathieu Matégot was a Hungarian-born French designer, architect and artist. After studying at Budapest's School of Fine Arts in 1929, Matégot travelled across Italy and the USA until settling in Paris in 1931 where he worked as a set designer, window dresser and tapestry maker. Matégot volunteered for the French resistance at the start of the Second World War, only to be captured by the Nazis. A dreadful fate for most, however, it was during his time as a prisoner of war that the artist discovered metalworking techniques (such as Rigitulle) which he later patented and became renowned for. Upon his release, Matégot was awarded French citizenship. After the war, the artist's interest in tapestry was renewed after being introduced to contemporary tapestry revivalist, Jean Lurçat. However, in order to make ends meet, Matégot pursued furniture design; he established a workshop in Paris and dedicated his time to translating the groundbreaking metal techniques into popular handcrafted objects. In 1959, Matégot abandoned furniture design and focused exclusively on his passion for abstract tapestries. He continued his work as a pioneer of French Modern tapestry...Category
1950s Abstract More Art
MaterialsTapestry
- Mathieu Matégot - Sans titre, tapestry, french, modern, abstract, wool, designBy Mathieu MatégotLocated in London, GBMathieu Matégot (1910-2001) Sans titre c.1950s wool tapestry, Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre 150 x 70 cm signed ‘Matégot’ and with the Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre monogram (lower right) Price: $11,000 USD Provenance: Barry Friedman Ltd, New York (stock no. BF21324) Notes: Mathieu Matégot was a Hungarian-born French designer, architect and artist. After studying at Budapest's School of Fine Arts in 1929, Matégot travelled across Italy and the USA until settling in Paris in 1931 where he worked as a set designer, window dresser and tapestry maker. Matégot volunteered for the French resistance at the start of the Second World War, only to be captured by the Nazis. A dreadful fate for most, however, it was during his time as a prisoner of war that the artist discovered metalworking techniques (such as Rigitulle) which he later patented and became renowned for. Upon his release, Matégot was awarded French citizenship. After the war, the artist's interest in tapestry was renewed after being introduced to contemporary tapestry revivalist, Jean Lurçat. However, in order to make ends meet, Matégot pursued furniture design; he established a workshop in Paris and dedicated his time to translating the groundbreaking metal techniques into popular handcrafted objects. In 1959, Matégot abandoned furniture design and focused exclusively on his passion for abstract tapestries. He continued his work as a pioneer of French Modern tapestry...Category
1950s Abstract More Art
MaterialsTapestry
- Mathieu Matégot - Oberon, tapestry, french, modern, abstract, wool, designBy Mathieu MatégotLocated in London, GBMathieu Matégot (1910-2001) Oberon c.1950s wool tapestry, Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre; (possibly) no. 2 125 x 202 cm signed ‘Matégot’ and with the Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre monogram (lower right); titled, inscribed, numbered and signed (workshop label on the verso) Price: $18,000 USD Provenance: Barry Friedman Ltd, New York (stock no. BF19387) Notes: Mathieu Matégot was a Hungarian-born French designer, architect and artist. After studying at Budapest's School of Fine Arts in 1929, Matégot travelled across Italy and the USA until settling in Paris in 1931 where he worked as a set designer, window dresser and tapestry maker. Matégot volunteered for the French resistance at the start of the Second World War, only to be captured by the Nazis. A dreadful fate for most, however, it was during his time as a prisoner of war that the artist discovered metalworking techniques (such as Rigitulle) which he later patented and became renowned for. Upon his release, Matégot was awarded French citizenship. After the war, the artist's interest in tapestry was renewed after being introduced to contemporary tapestry revivalist, Jean Lurçat. However, in order to make ends meet, Matégot pursued furniture design; he established a workshop in Paris and dedicated his time to translating the groundbreaking metal techniques into popular handcrafted objects. In 1959, Matégot abandoned furniture design and focused exclusively on his passion for abstract tapestries. He continued his work as a pioneer of French Modern tapestry...Category
1950s Abstract More Art
MaterialsTapestry
- Contrepoint Bleu VertLocated in London, GBsigned ‘A. Istrati’ (upper left); signed, dated and titled ‘contrepoint bleu vert, Istrati A., 1989’ (on the verso)Category
20th Century Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Oil
- Untitled "D"By Al HeldLocated in London, GBSigned and dated 'Al Held 61' (lower right) Price: $75,000 (+5% import VAT) Provenance: Robert Miller Gallery, New York (stock no.1179359 HELD-0075) Private collection, New York Private collection, New York (acquired from the above in 2012) Exhibited: New York, Queens Museum; Norfolk, Virginia, Chrysler Museum; Maine, Portland Museum of Art; Miami Beach, Bass Museum of Art; Washington, D.C., The Phillips Collection...Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic
- Untitled "A"By Al HeldLocated in London, GBPrice: $75,000 (+5% import VAT) Provenance: Robert Miller Gallery, New York Private collection, New York (acquired from the above in 1980) Exhibited: Montpellier, Musee Fabre, "...Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic
- Modern Needlepoint Textile Tapestry of the Parable of Daniel in the Lions' DenLocated in Houston, TXModern needlepoint textile tapestry of the Biblical parable of Daniel in the lions' den by Houston artist Robert Lunny. The work features Darius and his a...Category
1960s Abstract Mixed Media
MaterialsTapestry, Textile
- Texas Teal and Tan Woven Fiber Art Tapestry with Copper and Wood AccentsLocated in Houston, TXTeal and tan woven fiber art tapestry by Texas artist Romeo Reyna. The piece features a central diamond shape with copper accents and painted wooden st...Category
1990s Abstract Mixed Media
MaterialsCopper
- "Harlequin Family" Abstract Figurative Tapestry of Musicians and a MuseLocated in Houston, TXWarm toned abstract figurative tapestry by Houston-based artist David Adickes. The work features three central figures, one with a flute, one with a scarf, and one female figure wearing a hat, all classic imagery found in Adickes' work. The artist's signature is incorporated into the weave of the tapestry in the lower left corner and there is a tag on the back with the manufacturing information. Originally created in Portugal. Artist Biography: Born (1927) and raised in Huntsville, TX, David Adickes is an artist whose art and heart are closely aligned with Paris, France. After studying art at the Atelier F. Leger in the late 40s, Adickes burst onto the art scene in Houston and elsewhere in the early 50s and has been a prominent member of Houston’s art community ever since. While his most visible works are his giant sculptures...Category
1970s Abstract Mixed Media
MaterialsTapestry
- Palisades, Contemporary Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture, Woven TapestryLocated in Wilton, CTPalisades, wool and sisal, 55" x 70", 1992. Contemporary Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture, Woven Tapestry. Anna Urbanowicz-Krowacka (b 1938, Poland) gra...Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsFabric, Textile, Tapestry, Wool, Thread
- Landscape Transformed, Contemporary Abstract Tapestry, Textile Wall SculptureBy Adela AkersLocated in Wilton, CTAdela Akers (b. 1933, Santiago de Compostela, Spain) is a Spanish-born textile and fiber artist. She is Professor Emeritus (1972 to 1995) at the Tyler Scho...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal, Foil
- "Framed & Draped: Material Collection" Lia Cook, Contemporary Wall TextileBy Lia CookLocated in Wilton, CT"Framed and Draped: Material Collection", acrylic on abaca, dyes on rayon; woven, 63" x 38", 1989. This contemporary abstract mixed media tapestry was done by California-based Ameri...Category
1980s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsFabric, Tapestry, Thread, Dye, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Daniel Rozensztroch Can’t Live with Enough Beautifully Useful Objects
The French designer, stylist and creative director offers an inside look at the cabinets of curiosities he calls home in Paris and Nice.
Patrick Hughes’s 3D Painting Takes Us on a Magical Journey through Pop Art History
The illusions — and allusions — never end in this mind-boggling portrayal of an all-star Pop art show on a beach.