Fernand Léger, French, 1881-1955
Title: La Tenaille et la Scie
Date: 1934
Medium: Ink and graphite on paper
Dimensions:
32 x 42 cm
Signed: lower right (in ink): F.L. 34
Credit Line: Presented, Dr Graham McCarthy, 2015
Object Number: NGI.2015.30
DescriptionLéger embraced the Cubist notion of breaking down objects into geometric shapes, but always retained an interest in depicting the illusion of three-dimensionality. Although Léger's best known works are his large oil paintings in bright primary colours with robotic human figures, for example, Three Women (Le Grand Déjeuner), 1921 (MOMA), drawing was always important to him. He taught throughout his life and advised his students: 'Draw first, an exact drawing with lines, lines and nothing else.' He was insistent that all objects, both living and inanimate, merited the artist's observation, stating that: 'everything is equally interesting', going on to argue that the human form 'was not more important from the plastic point of view than a tree, a plant, a fragment of rock or a rope'. This ink study, with graphite under-drawing, is part of a series he began in 1928. They show his fascination with machines and simpler objects involved in making things. By isolating and magnifying a group of tools including pliers, a saw and a work bench, Léger abstracts the objects and gives them a new identity.
Inscriptionlower left (in graphite): 2161/9