Fernand Léger, The great divers, 1944 by Atelier Liesjes

a powerful and rhythmic composition of stylised human figures - divers - interlocking and floating in an abstract space. The bodies are composed of geometric shapes and are brightly coloured in red, blue, yellow, green and black. The central figure is red, with white circles on its chest, surrounded by a tangle of arms and legs that evoke a sense of movement and choreography.

Léger uses thick black outlines and flat areas of colour to create a visual cadence, as if the figures are dancing or diving in a rhythmic flow. The work is an ode to physicality, collectivity and visual harmony - a theme Léger often explored in his pursuit of an art that reflects modern life.

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.