Silksreen, 1954

Edition : 10/200

Publisher : Jean Bruller, Paris

Printer : Jean Bruller, Paris

Catalog : [Saphire E9]

38.00 cm. x 56.50 cm. | 14.96 in. x 22.24 in. (paper)

27.00 cm. x 35.00 cm. | 10.63 in. x 13.78 in. (image)

After a gouache by Fernand Léger

Our lithograph is based on a gouache by Fernand Léger (1881-1955) made in 1949 (not located), an important period for the artist, who returned from the United States in 1946 after five years of exile during the war

Léger's return to figuration in the early 1940s was perfectly mastered. For him, the subject or object represented is of little importance. What counts is the pictorial quality, the effect on the canvas or paper.

Here, Léger juxtaposes two objects in a frontal manner: a female bust and a pot of cactus
Nothing seems to link one to the other, except a play of opposition: a "human" bust sculpted in stone, a "vegetable" plant in a pot. The bust is not very colourful, but the green leaves are.
In the background, steel tubes or bars such as can be found in many of the artist's works, from his "tubist" period or his Builders' period, during which he represented workers and building sites, a way of giving them visibility and dignity.
This assemblage has a strong visual impact; it is this stimulating contrast that Léger seeks. The confrontation on the canvas and in the mind of the viewer between the bust and the cactus reinforces the softness of the sculpted bust. The features of the stone face are drawn in a continuous, serene line.
The pearl necklace is a recurrent element in Léger's work, adorning the necks of his female figures, a pretext for representing small spheres that give rhythm to the composition.

This work is perfectly representative of Léger's work in the 1950s, a period of maturity and accomplishment.

Very good condition
Handsigned by the artist in pencil
Certificate of authenticity

Ref : LCD5669