Fernand Léger
The Red Bird in the Wood
Aquatint, 1953
Edition: 81/125
Publisher/Printer: Lacourière (Paris)
Catalogue: Saphire E19
Image size: 45 × 63.5 cm
Signed by hand in pencil
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
Condition: Very good
BFK Rives paper
Slight restoration marks on the margins
Very minor loss at the top edge
Print based on a gouache work
The forest depicted in this work rises like a city, its tree trunks forming architectural structures. The "red bird" in the title adds a narrative quality to this magnificent space.
The 1950s was a period of innovation for printmaking, and this work was produced in the creative Lacourière studio. Léger is often spoken of as a painter of the modern world and machine civilization, but he also had a deep love for nature.
He said:
"An oak tree destroyed in 20 seconds takes a century to grow back. Birds are always splendidly adorned. The word 'progress' is meaningless, because the cow that feeds the world always walks at 3 kilometers an hour."
This work embodies Léger's characteristic sense of volume and monumentality, inviting the viewer into a world of poetic imagination. It is a piece that encourages quiet contemplation, harmonizing nature and structure, strength and lyricism.
About Fernand Léger
Fernand Léger (1881–1955) was a prominent French modern painter in the first half of the 20th century. While influenced by Cubism, he established his own unique expression, known for his powerful forms centered on **contrast in shapes, colors, and volumes.**
After his experiences in World War I, he developed a "mechanical style" that incorporated modern motifs such as machines and cities. Post-war, his work evolved towards more vibrant colors and voluminous figures, creating clear and vital compositions.
He was active in a wide range of fields beyond painting, including murals, stage design, and architectural collaborations, leaving a significant mark on the development of modern art.
