Michele Van Hout Le Beau was a near contemporary of Jean Lurçat (1892-1966), a French painter who promoted a revival of the art of tapestry in the mid-20th century. Lurçat argued that tapestries were the ideal wall decoration to replace frescoes in modern homes, and were better suited to modern tastes. Although she did not study under Lurçat, several of Lurçat's principles are seen in Le Beau's tapestry Soleil Marin. The treatment of the fishing boats, their reflections in the water, and the large circular sun is consistent with Lurçat's reliance on simple forms and a lack of perspective. He also advocated a limited color palette.