Modern Tapestry Appraisal

"Bird in Flight" Tapestry by Leonardo Nierman

This is a prominent wall tapestry titled "Bird in Flight" created by the renowned Mexican artist Leonardo Nierman (1932-2023), dating to approximately circa 1970. The tapestry measures 56 inches in width by 79 inches in length, presenting a substantial vertical rectangular format. It is crafted from a woven textile, likely wool or a high-quality fiber blend, exhibiting a rich, plush, and dense texture suggestive of a hand-tufted or heavily looped construction that gives it a sculptural quality. The artwork features an abstract composition defined by swirling, dynamic forms and a vibrant, multi-hued color palette. Dominant colors include various shades of blues, purples, forest greens, earthy browns, vivid oranges, mustard yellows, and significant areas of brilliant white and cream that form the central "bird" motif. The interplay of colors creates a sense of movement and energy, evoking the theme of flight. Distinctive brushstroke-like patterns are achieved through variably sized and colored woven segments, contributing to its abstract expressionist aesthetic. A key distinguishing element is the artist's signature, "L. NIERMAN" (or a clear variant thereof), visibly woven into the design in the lower left-hand corner, authenticating the piece. Currently, the tapestry appears to be in very good condition, showing no apparent signs of significant fading, tears, holes, or repairs. The edges appear neatly finished and intact. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high level of artistic and manufacturing quality, characteristic of a significant artist's work from this period. The choice of a tapestry medium for abstract art was popular in the mid-20th century, adding to its stylistic relevance for the circa 1970 period.