Composition 1947. by Fernand Leger, 1881-1955

Fernand Leger, 1881-1955
Scroll down for information.
Click here to return to the list.

Composition 1947.

Original lithograph in colours. 1947. Signed in pencil. Numbered in pencil (49) from the edition of 100. Edition printed at the studio of Desjobert, Paris 1947. Issued by Robert Altmann for the album 'Brunidor 2', 1947-52. Ref: Saphire - Leger Graphic Work no. 17.

Superb impression with the most brilliant fresh colours. On pale cream light wove Rives paper. Absolutely excellent condition. Full sheet: 16 1/2 x 12 3/4ins. 420x325mm. Image almost to full sheet size: 15 3/4 x 11 1/4ins. 400x286mm.

This item is sold.
Click here to enquire about this item.

Works such as ?Composition 1947? mark the culmination of a period of Leger?s art which had begun around 1930. At that time the machine-inspired clear definition of manufactured forms arranged in spatial still-life compositions gave way to a much looser use of imagery linked both to Surrealism and a growing interest in a structural arrangement of elements inspired by manufacture and construction. During the 1940?s Leger brought these ideas to a peak of inspiration, using bold colours and superimposed curvilinear and anthropomorphic forms to create works which appealed to the subconscious mind on an emotional rather than rational level. In many ways these works are a continuation of the figure or still-life compositions of earlier years in that they are arrangements of forms used to describe or evoke space or movement but they are expressed in a totally new and individual language of shape and colour.

This lithograph was commissioned from Leger by the American publisher Robert Altmann in 1947. Leger made a maquette in gouache which he used to workout the composition and then drew the lithograph, which varies in numerous details from the gouache, at the studio of Desjobert. The edition was printed on Desjobert?s press in late 1947.