Screen, three sheets, composing on brown background 

Fernand Léger made this screen in France, though the specific date is unknown. Léger was a key figure in the development of modern art, particularly his engagement with cubism and abstraction. This three-panel screen presents a composition of abstract forms against a brown background. The shapes, outlined in white, create a dynamic interplay between figure and ground. Léger was deeply interested in how the modern artist could create an image space that reflected the speed and dynamism of modern life. The screen as a medium has an interesting institutional history. Screens like this might be read as a comment on the changing domestic sphere. Art historians often consult catalogues, artist's letters, and period publications to situate such works within their historical context. In this way, we gain a richer appreciation for the social life of art. Léger seeks to explore the possibilities of abstract art as it moves away from the easel and into the social world.