Femme assise 1932

Fernand Léger created this drawing, titled "Femme Assise," using graphite on paper. Léger, who served in World War I, developed a style that reflected the mechanical and industrial age, portraying the human figure with geometric precision. Here, a seated woman is depicted with a detached gaze. Her features are simplified and almost architectural, with a breast represented as a perfect circle and her hand raised to her face. This contrasts with the softly draped fabric around her hips. It’s as if he is stripping bare traditional representations. Léger once said, "I try to give the maximum of intensity with a minimum of means." The emotional detachment and the blending of the organic with the mechanical provoke questions about identity and the impact of modernity. The woman appears to be a subject being examined rather than an individual expressing emotion. This piece encourages us to reflect on the evolving role of women amidst rapid industrial advancements.