Alexander Liberman, New York (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Executed on cream wove paper not laid down, T-hinged to the mount at two points along the top edge, there are artist's pinholes to the centre of the top edge and at the top right corner. There is a tiny fold to the top right corner. Apart from some overall time-staining and light studio dirt this work is in very good condition. Colours: The paper tone is more cream in the original.
"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."

The bright and bold compositions of this group of Legers are typical of an artist who saw the twentieth century condition as a “state of contrasts” and articulated modernity through juxtapositions of shape, colour and line.  The dislocated nature of modern life is rendered through the representation of abstracted figurative elements against geometrical backgrounds which disrupt the space and perspective of the composition.  As Leger explained “I placed objects in space so that I could not place an object on a table without diminishing its value. I selected an object, and chucked the table away. I put the object in space, minus the perspective. Minus anything to hold it there. I then liberate the colour to an even greater extent” (Dora Vallier, ‘La Vie fait l’œuvre de Fernand Léger’ in Cahiers d’Arts, no. 2, 1954, pp. 152-53).

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Léger and Efstratios Tériade, c. 1952-54. Photograph by Alexander Liberman

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Léger's desk, c. 1952-54. Photograph by Alexander Liberman.

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Fernand Léger in his studio