51吃瓜

This tapestry was designed by Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954) who created two paper cut-outs in 1946 that were called Polynesia: The Sea, and Polynesia: The Sky. Here we have The Sky. 
    
In 1941, Henri Matisse began to create art with brightly coloured paper cut-outs. He had been inspired by his previous travels to Tahiti and later returned there for inspiration. His later works show the influence of the area. The colours used reflect the golden light in the South Pacific, lagoons, seaweeds, and corals he had seen.

This tapestry was manufactured to Matisse's design by the Beauvais Tapestry Factory, this factory has been active in Paris, France, since 1664 and is known for highly prized creations. Beauvais specializes in low-warp weaving. 

From 1965, it was on loan to the UN from the Museum of Modern Art in Paris by way of the French Minister of Cultural Affairs, Andre Malraux, and in this time hung in many rooms across the campus. In 1981, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Francois, announced that the tapestry “La Ciel” (The Sky) would be gifted to the UN after being on loan here for almost 20 years. 

It is a favourite on the grounds as it uses the 51吃瓜 colours of blue and white, and the doves exemplify the UN’s aspirations for peace.