Bidding on this item has ended.
Louis le Brocquy CUCHULAINN VII
Lot 142
Price Realised: €32,000
Estimate: €30,000 - €50,000
Louis le Brocquy HRHA, 1916-2012 CUCHULAINN VII Aubusson tapestry by Renee Duche, 71" x 71" (180 x 180cm), ed.1/9, signed, inscribed label verso. The theme of the Tain, the early Irish epic translated by the poet Thomas Kinsella in 1969... Read more
Lot 142 - CUCHULAINN VII by Louis le Brocquy Lot 142 Louis le Brocquy CUCHULAINN VII
Estimate: €30,000 - €50,000
Louis le Brocquy HRHA, 1916-2012
CUCHULAINN VII

Aubusson tapestry by Renee Duche, 71" x 71" (180 x 180cm), ed.1/9, signed, inscribed label verso.

The theme of the Tain, the early Irish epic translated by the poet Thomas Kinsella in 1969 and for which le Brocquy was commissioned to provide the accompanying black brush drawings, inspired in the artist a fresh surge of creativity in the realm of tapestry.  The word 'Tain' means 'hosting' or gathering of a large crowd for a raid and provided the theme for a number of tapestries designed by the artist.  The surface of the tapestry is covered in irregular, oval heads, all with minute irregular 'features' and all facing the spectator.  Each head exists as a single entity and does not relate to its neighbour.  There is no order, no ranking, yet some inherent, instinctive force holds them together.

In 1970 P.J. Carroll and Co. through their architects Scott Tallon Walker commissioned the first 'Tain' tapestry from leBrocquy for the foyer of their Dundalk factory.  "In this tapestry I have tried to produce a sort of group or mass emergence of human presence, features uncertain - merely shadowed blobs or patches - but vaguely analogous perhaps in terms of woven colour to be weathered, enduring stone boss-heads of Clonfert or Entremont - or of Dysert O'Dea…"  "each individual head is conscious only of the viewer vertically facing it.  This is the secret of their mass regard.  Each head is self-contained, finally a lump of presence.  No exchange or incident takes place between their multiplied features".

All of the Tain tapestries were woven in Aubusson, and in them the artist contrived a masterly conjunction between the narrative content of the epic, his own and the ancient Celtic concern of the head image and the visual architectural demands of a large modern wall hanging.'
  • Enquire
  • View all lots by this artist
  • How bidding works
  • Please note: You will require a deVeres account in order to bid. Please register via the website. Each lot will close numerically. If there is late bidding the time may be extended which could delay subsequent lots. The lots will start to close from 2.00pm on auction day, closing at 45 second intervals.
    PLEASE BID EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
     
    In order to allow rival bidders the opportunity to respond to a late bid the following extensions will apply:
    IF A BID IS RECEIVED WITHIN THE FINAL 45 SECONDS OF THE COUNTDOWN THE CLOCK WILL RESET TO 60 SECONDS. 

    At any point you can leave a maximum bid, representing the highest price you are prepared to pay for a particular lot. Bidding only advances when there is competition from a rival bidder. In that case the system bids on your behalf, only up to the maximum if required. All bids are relayed to you be email, along with notification if you have been outbid. 
     
    All maximum bids are confidential and not disclosed. The system will endeavor to purchase the lot for you for the least price. Bids are subject to buyer’s premium of 25% (incl vat), with no additional charges.

    In the event of a tied bid, the preference will be given to the bid submitted first. The second bidder will receive immediate notification of being outbid.
     

Sign-up to our auction alert

Signup for personalised Irish art recommendations, invitations to viewings and auctions, articles and more.
This website uses cookies. By using the site, you consent to the use of cookies in line with our privacy policy. Find out more OK, I understand