Fernand Léger Composition sur fond Jaune (Composition on Yellow Background), 1952 takes one of the artist’s favorite subjects and spins his depictions of tree trunks and logs as objects in space rather than related to the ground. The gnarled branches form an abstract still-life composition, twisting and turning in unanticipated directions. The earthy browns, greens, and yellows contrast with the bold black outlines. The logs appear as though arranged on a platter, presented to the viewer for contemplation. An intriguing aspect of this piece is the tiny box-like form containing three small, tubular figures to the upper right of the composition. These tubular forms resemble cigarettes, stuffed in a box with smoke emitting from them in the form of dark diagonal streaks, bringing to mind the fragility of the logs as wood that can be easily burned.

Created in c. 1954, this work was printed on watermarked Arches Script wove paper by Mourlot, Paris and published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris. Hand signed by Fernand Léger (Argentan, 1881- Gif-sur-Yvette, 1955) in ink in the lower right margin and numbered 10/75 (from the total edition of 75) in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Fernand Léger Composition sur fond Jaune (Composition on Yellow Background), 1952 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Saphire, Lawrence, Fernand Léger, The Complete Graphic Work, 1978, listed as cat no 138 on pgs 228-29, 284-85, another example from the same edition illustrated.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards Fernand Léger Composition sur fond Jaune (Composition on Yellow Background), 1952 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.