Les pommes 1925

Fernand Léger crafted this still life, “Les pommes,” a vibrant assembly of geometric forms and everyday objects. The apple, an ancient symbol laden with meaning, dominates the composition. Here, Léger reduces the apple to its most elemental shape, a sphere, echoing the primordial form of the cosmos. The apple's symbolism stretches back to antiquity, from the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, representing knowledge and temptation, to its role in classical mythology. Think of the golden apple of discord, tossed by Eris, which ignited the Trojan War – a potent symbol of strife and beauty. Yet, Léger's apples are not overtly symbolic. They are grounded in the modern world, presented alongside industrial forms, reflecting the machine age. Still, the echo of the apple's ancient resonance lingers, stirring deep within our cultural memory. This juxtaposition evokes a tension between the past and the present, inviting contemplation of the enduring power of simple forms and their symbolic weight. The cyclical nature of symbols is evident, continually resurfacing and evolving to reflect changing times, inviting each viewer to find their own meaning within.