Fernand Léger, Le Puits (The Well), 1951

Artist: Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955)
Title:Le Puits (The Well), 1951
Reference:Saphire 110
Medium:Original Color Lithograph
Image Size:17 1/4 in x 13 1/16 in (43.8 cm x 33.3 cm)
Sheet Size:25 5/8 in x 19 11/16 in (65 cm x 50 cm)
Framed Size:39 1/2 in x 35 in (100.3 cm x 88.9 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 75 in pencil in the lower left; printed by Mourlot, Paris and published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Fernand Léger (Argentan, 1881- Gif-sur-Yvette, 1955) in ink in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in great condition, with bright fresh colors
ID #w-3024

Historical Description

A glistening well rests amidst a landscape of cactus-like shrubbery. In this work, Léger once more combines elements of nature with manmade machinery. The well consists of a silver bucket chained to a wheel that, when spun, can be used as leverage for raising and lowering the bucket to retrieve water. The stark white/silver color of this manmade contraption pops out amidst the chartreuse green and burnt sienna background. Léger here appears to comment on man's cleverness and his ability to manipulate nature for his own well-being. This well does not seem terribly intrusive or destructive amidst the natural landscape but rather fits in harmoniously, resting across a tree with the inhabitant's house nestled off into the distance.

Created in 1951, this work was printed by Mourlot, Paris and published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris. This work is hand signed by Fernand Léger (Argentan, 1881- Gif-sur-Yvette, 1955) in ink in the lower right margin and numbered from the edition of 75 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work 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 final sale of the work).

1. Saphire, Lawrence, Fernand Léger, The Complete Graphic Work, 1978, listed as cat no 110 on pg. 174-175, another example from the same edition illustrated.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
This work is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complimentary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.