"Bird in Flight" Tapestry by Leonardo Nierman Appraisal
Category: Tapestry
Description
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.
Appraisal Report
Based on my examination of the provided images and detailed description, the 'Bird in Flight' tapestry by Leonardo Nierman, circa 1970, appears to be in remarkably very good condition. The colors reportedly retain vibrancy, and there are no visible signs of fading, tears, holes, or repairs. The woven signature 'L. NIERMAN' in the lower left corner significantly bolsters its authenticity. Nierman (1932-2023) is a highly celebrated Mexican abstract artist whose market remains strong. Large-scale, well-preserved textile works like this, especially from his productive mid-century period, are consistently sought after. The abstract expressionist style and 'Bird in Flight' theme are characteristic of his most desirable compositions, with comparables for his significant works indicating robust demand. Key factors influencing value include the artist's esteemed reputation, the substantial size (56" W x 79" L), the excellent described condition, and the clear woven signature. While the images are descriptive, a definitive appraisal beyond this estimate requires in-person examination to verify tactile qualities, exact color fidelity, hidden structural issues, and precise fiber composition. Full authentication, ideally, would include robust provenance documentation (e.g., original purchase receipts, exhibition history) to confirm its complete history.
Appraisal Value
$10,000 - $15,000