Fernand Léger, a prominent French artist, created the painting
Machine Element in 1924. This work is a quintessential representation of his mechanical period, which lasted from approximately 1918 to 1923. During this time, Léger was fascinated by the machine and modern technology, reflecting the dynamic pace of contemporary society.
The Artistic Style
Léger's style during this period was characterized by recurring interchangeable geometric elements, such as cones, cylinders, and disks, suspended in a flat or shallow space. These elements were meant to evoke the impersonality of a new machine age rather than depict identifiable mechanical parts. In
Machine Element, Léger painted pistons, cogs, and spare parts combining to form a figure with a barely perceptible profile against an elegant red backdrop.
Influences and Context
Léger's fascination with mechanics was fueled by his visit to the Paris Air Show in 1912. This experience prompted him to explore the protean potential of modern technology, leading to works like
Machine Element. The painting taps into a similar vein as his experimental film
Le Ballet Mécanique (Mechanical Ballet), directed the same year.
Artistic Movement and Legacy
Léger's work is associated with the Cubist movement, which revolutionized painting and visual arts. Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, influenced artistic innovations in music, ballet, literature, and architecture. Léger's unique style, often referred to as Tubism, emphasized cylindrical shapes.
Relevance and Display
Machine Element is part of the collection at the
Musée National d'Art Moderne, Paris. The painting measures 146 x 97 cm and was acquired through a legacy from Baronne Eva Gourgaud in 1965.
Conclusion
Machine Element by Fernand Léger is a significant work that encapsulates the artist's mechanical period. It reflects his fascination with modern technology and the dynamic pace of contemporary society. This painting, along with other works from this period, showcases Léger's contribution to the Cubist movement and his unique style.
For those interested in exploring more of Fernand Léger's work or learning about the Cubist movement, visit
Fernand Léger: Machine Element and
Cubism on Wikipedia.