The Académie des beaux-arts has launched a subscription campaign to acquire a monumental tapestry by Jean Lurçat, recently rediscovered by Christie's. The tapestry, titled *Bestiaire* (1930), measures 3 by 6.45 meters and was originally created for the artist's home-studio in Paris's 14th arrondissement. It will be publicly unveiled at Christie's Paris on May 6–7, 2025, before a private sale between the Académie and the auction house for €110,000. Donations are being collected online or by check to fund the purchase.
This campaign matters because the tapestry, lost for decades, is destined to return to its original location in the Maison-atelier Lurçat, a landmark of modern architecture designed by André Lurçat. The acquisition would restore a key element of the historic interior, preserving the integrity of the artist's home and studio, which was bequeathed to the Académie in 2010. It highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard France's artistic heritage through public-private partnerships.