Troncs d’arbres 1951

Fernand Léger created "Troncs d’arbres" with gouache and ink on paper. The composition is immediately striking. Strong contrasts are achieved through the juxtaposition of black, white and ochre planes. The trees aren't represented naturalistically but rendered as geometrical solids. The interplay between hard lines and organic forms creates a dynamic tension which forces us to look beyond simple representation. Léger’s interest in machinery and the industrial age permeates this work. While the title suggests an organic subject, the execution is highly mechanized. The cylindrical shapes evoke machine parts and the branches are reduced to stark, linear elements. This reflects Léger’s broader artistic project, which sought to integrate the mechanical with the natural. Ultimately, "Troncs d’arbres" challenges our preconceived notions about nature versus technology. It prompts us to reconsider how we perceive and categorize the world around us. Léger’s formal approach doesn’t just depict tree trunks, but also deconstructs the very idea of representation itself.