Lot 48
  • 48

Fernand Léger

Estimate
400,000 - 600,000 EUR
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Description

  • Fernand Léger
  • COMPOSITION AU FOND JAUNE
  • signé F. Léger et daté 34 (en bas à droite)
  • huile sur toile

  • 73 x 92 cm
  • 28 3/4 x 31 1/4 in.

Provenance

Atelier Fernand Léger (no. 53)
Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris (inv. 09547 / 3030)
Galleria Arte Borgogna, Milan
Collection particulière, Italie

Literature

Georges Bauquier, Fernand Léger, Catalogue raisonné, 1932-1937, Paris, 1996, no. 854, reproduit p. 112

 

Condition

The canvas is lined. UV light reveals a strip of craquelure with associated slight discolouration and retouching running along the right edge mainly in the top and bottom sections. Otherwise this work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

signed 'F. Léger' and dated '34' (lower right), oil on canvas. Painted in 1934.

 

Composition au fond jaune de Léger est un superbe exemple des compositions abstraites des années 1930. Les objets et formes moléculaires lévitent sur un fond jaune vif créant ainsi une violente impression visuelle tout en assurant une harmonie naturelle des couleurs et des formes. Comme l'explique Matthew Affron dans son essai, Leger's Modernism and the Advent of the Object, "la peinture abstraite de chevalet, comme une machine qui fonctionnerait sans jamais faire d'erreur, offre une belle illustration de l'exactitude structurelle, de l'harmonie et de la force maîtrisée" (Fernand Léger, catalogue d'exposition, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1998, pp. 123-124).

 

Composition au fond jaune is a superb example of the artist's 1930's abstract compositions. The objects and molecular forms are suspended against a bright white background creating a strong visual impact as well as a natural harmony of colours and forms. As Matthew Affron explained in his essay, Léger's Modernism and the Advent of the Object, "the abstract easel painting, like a machine turning in perfect alignment, offers a satisfying demonstration of structural exactitude, harmony and controlled force" (Fernand Léger, exhibition catalogue, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1998, pp. 123-24).