Fernand Léger, Composition with two birds, 1954 2 by Atelier Liesjes

This 1953 work is a colourful and dynamic composition in which Léger fully expresses his signature style. The painting shows stylised shapes of two birds, a flower, an animal figure (possibly a rabbit), and architectural elements such as buildings and poles. Everything is outlined with thick black outlines and coloured in with bright areas of red, yellow, blue, green and white. The background consists of horizontal bands of colour that add depth and rhythm.

Here, Léger combines abstraction with figuration: recognisable shapes are simplified into geometric elements, giving a playful and modern look. The work reflects his fascination with everyday life, nature and technology, and his aim to make art accessible and visually powerful.

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.