Fernand Léger

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Fernand Léger was a French painter who represented the first half of the 20th century and was one of the important artists of the École de Paris, active primarily in Paris. In his early period, influenced by Cubism, he developed a unique sculptural expression incorporating images of machines and cities. His powerful compositions, characterized by thick outlines, vivid colors, and cylindrical forms, were dubbed "the art of the machine age," establishing a new world of painting that expressed the energy of modern society. He was an artist who worked in diverse fields such as prints, murals, and film, in addition to painting, and greatly influenced 20th-century art.

1881
Born near Argentan-sur-Creuse, France.

1900
Moved to Paris, where he studied art while working in an architectural firm.

1903–1905
Studied at the School of Decorative Arts in Paris and began his career as a painter.

1907
Exhibited at the Salon d'Automne and began to gain recognition as a painter.

Around 1910
Influenced by Cubism, he began to develop his unique style using cylindrical forms.

1914–1918
Served in World War I. His wartime experience had a profound impact on his subsequent work.

1920s
Created works with themes of machines and urban civilization, establishing his unique style known as "the art of the machine age."

1924
Participated in the production of the film "Ballet mécanique."

1930s
Created large-scale works such as murals and decorative art.

1940
Traveled to the United States during World War II.

1945
Returned to France.

Late 1940s–1950s
Produced many works depicting human figures with strength, and also engaged in murals and public art.

1955
Died in Gif-sur-Yvette, France.