Fernand Léger, Femme sur fond jaune (Woman Against Yellow Background), 1952

Artist: Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955)
Title:Femme sur fond jaune (Woman Against Yellow Background), 1952
Reference:Saphire 118
Medium:Color lithograph on Arches wove paper
Image Size:16 1/4 in x 13 in (41.3 cm x 33 cm
Sheet Size:26 1/4 in x 19 7/8 in (66.7 cm x 50.5 cm)
Framed Size:35 in x 31 in (88.9 cm x 78.7 cm)
Edition:From the unnumbered edition of 150; printed by Fernand Mourlot, Paris.
Signature:This work is from the hand-signed by Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955) in ink in the lower right margin
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-3981

Historical Description

Created in 1952, this original color lithograph is hand signed in ink by Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955) in the lower right margin. Printed by Fernand Mourlot, Paris out of the total edition of 150 unnumbered proofs on Arches wove paper.

According to L. Saphire (1978), "this was Léger's original composition for the Mourlot centennial album. Mourlot suggested that Léger do something more colorful for that purpose and edited this as a separate lithograph" (190). The result is a stunningly vibrant work set against a sun-yellow background. Our muse can be seen on the left, beautifully shaded and elegantly set against two large statuary figures, as if comparing herself for a sculpture or statue in the making. She is faceless, assuming an identity that perhaps only Léger's audience can distinguish.

Illustrated in:
1. Saphire, L. (1978). Fernand Léger, The Complete Graphic Work. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 118 on pgs. 190-1.

 

Subject Matter: Under $15k