Étude pour ‘Le Movement à billes’ 1926

Fernand Léger made this study for 'Le Movement à billes' with gouache and graphite on paper. Léger was a veteran of the First World War and his experiences during it shaped his artistic vision. After witnessing the mechanization of warfare, he became fascinated with the aesthetic of machines and the potential of technology to transform society. In this work, Léger reduces everyday objects to basic geometric shapes to suggest the order and efficiency of the machine. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It challenges traditional artistic conventions by embracing the aesthetics of the industrial age, but is it also critical of the dehumanizing aspects of mechanization? Understanding Léger's intentions requires delving into the social and cultural context of post-war France. By consulting historical sources, such as Léger's writings and contemporary art criticism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and institutional forces that shaped his art.