Description:Controlled, geometric lines still manage to appear organic in form, as Léger creates this fascinating and unique print. Framed within a marigold border, it serves to display his complementary, bold colors of forest green, a dark burgundy, and soft cremes. Carefully placed and delicately balanced rectangles, squares, and angular forms fit together perfectly as if part of a puzzle. This is one of Léger's more simple, elegant works whose modernism and innovation is apparent within each square, rectangle, and strip of color.
Created in 1954, this work was included in an album of 10 serigraphs printed by Jean Bruller and marked with his signature 'B' in the lower left. Based on an original watercolor, Untitled Rectangular Composition was part of a series published in an edition of 200 by La Guilde Internationale de la Gravure and printed on Arches script watermarked paper. This particular work is numbered 49/200 in pencil in the lower left and signed by Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955) in ink in the lower right; it is also signed in the print with the artist's initials, 'F.L. 24' in the lower right.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will accompany the final sale of the work) :
1. Saphire, Lawrence, Fernand Leger, The Complete Graphic Works, 1978. Listed and illustrated on pgs. 288-4 as catalogue raisonné no. E4.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with museum quality archival materials, this work is set in a bright, Venetian-style bronze frame. The sleek, modern fashion of the moulding is the perfect compliment to Léger's unique stroke with curved lines and bold shapes. Furthermore, the details within the frame serve to accentuate the fine color detail within the work as its moulding compliments the gold's and maroons of the piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
