Fernand Léger, Branches, c. 1955

Artist: Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955)
Title:Branches, c. 1955
Reference:Saphire 140
Medium:Original Color Lithograph
Image Size:18 1/2 in x 23 5/8 in (47 cm x 60 cm)
Sheet Size:20 in x 26 in (50.8 cm x 66 cm)
Framed Size:40 1/4 in x 34 3/4 in (102.2 cm x 88.3 cm)
Edition:Numbered 50/75 in pencil in the lower left margin; printed on watermarked Arches Script wove paper by Mourlot, Paris, 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 margin; also signed 'FL-51' in the stone in black.
Condition:This work is in great condition, with full margins and bright fresh
ID #w-2829

Historical Description

Putting a new spin on one of his favorite subjects, Léger here depicts 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 grey-blues, sienna reds, and light yellows contrast with the bold black outlines. At the center of the composition, branches take on a new form- one that hints at curled and crumpled paper. By suggesting the presence of paper amidst tree branches, Léger depicts logs both in their natural and man-made forms and shows the versatility of the material nature of his subject matter.

Created in c. 1955, 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 50/75 (from the total 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 140 on pgs 232-33, 285, 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.

Subject Matter: Romantic Classic Under $15k