Fernand Léger, Composition with figure by Atelier Liesjes

This 1921 work shows a stylised female figure with rounded limbs and minimal facial features, typical of Léger's mechanistic approach to the human body. The woman sits in a dynamic pose, with one arm raised and the other resting on her thigh. She wears a blue-purple patterned skirt, and her body is composed of geometric shapes reminiscent of machine parts.

The background is vivid and abstract, with bright areas of colour in yellow, red, blue and black, and various graphic elements such as bars, dots and wavy lines. This visual language reflects Léger's fascination with modernity, technology and urban life. His style combines influences from cubism with its own, more decorative and monumental approach.

Fernand Léger was a French artist born in Argentan, Normandy. He began his career as an architectural draftsman before devoting himself entirely to painting. In Paris, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian, where he came into contact with avant-garde artists such as Robert Delaunay and Marc Chagall.

Léger is considered an important representative of cubism, but he soon developed his own style that was distinct from that of Picasso and Braque. His work is characterised by:

Geometric forms: He used cylindrical and mechanical structures to abstract people and objects.

Bright, contrasting colours: Léger often chose bright areas of colour that he juxtaposed to create depth and rhythm.

Industrial and modern theme: His paintings often reflect the dynamics of the modern city and technology.

Figurative elements: After World War I, his works became more accessible and included more recognisable human figures.

His style influenced later movements such as pop art and he also worked with film, mosaic and sculpture.