Sale: 436 / Modern Art I, Dec. 10. 2016 in Munich Lot 257

 

257
Fernand Léger
Composition mécanique, 1923.
Pencil drawing
Estimate:
€ 60,000 / $ 64,800
Sold:
€ 60,000 / $ 64,800

(incl. surcharge)
Composition mécanique. 1923.
Pencil drawing.
Lower right monogrammed and dated. On paper. 36.8 x 27 cm (14.4 x 10.6 in), the full sheet.

Accompanied by a photo expertise from Irus Hansma, Paris, dated 30 September 2015. The work will be included into the forthcoming catalog raisonné of works on paper.

PROVENANCE: Private collection USA.
Private collection USA (since 2009).

This work comes from the important "mechanic period". Elements that call reminiscence of machines determined his compositions from that period, as far as their precision is concerned they resemble technical drawings. He created a world that rendered homage to technology and machines. He saw a unique beauty in these cool and lifeless objects, which emanate a sense of beauty and power. Léger made a stand against the prevailing idea that machines were a threat to the world, on contrary, he tried to see the silver lining of the increasing mechanization. The drawing "Composition mécanique" as well as other drawings and gouaches were part of the meticulous preparation of the painting "Élément mécanique" (Bauquier 368), which was executed a year later. [SM]



257
Fernand Léger
Composition mécanique, 1923.
Pencil drawing
Estimate:
€ 60,000 / $ 64,800
Sold:
€ 60,000 / $ 64,800

(incl. surcharge)