Les Illuminations, 1970

Sonia Delaunay was a French artist who helped found France's Orphism art movement. This particular style makes use of geometric figures and bold colors. She was a painter who also delved into textile and stage set design, and was known for employing geometric abstraction in her work. This is exemplified in "Rythme", an oil painting created by Delaunay in 1938 that features circles and curves of vibrant color. Delaunay often collaborated with her husband, artist Robert Delaunay, and they shared a similar style of painting. They both worked on decorating the pavilions at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne in 1937. In addition to her paintings, Delaunay designed a range of fabrics, wall coverings, furniture, and clothing. Much like her paintings, Sonia's textiles and modern design pieces featured geometric abstraction. In 1964, Sonia Delaunay became the first woman to have her work shown at a retrospective exhibition at the Louvre while still living. She received the privilege of being named an officer of France's Legion of Honor in 1975.