Les deux sœurs 1932

Fernand Léger created this painting, Les deux soeurs, with oils in a style that feels both modern and ancient. The paint is applied in layers, with visible brushstrokes that give the surface a kind of warm, textured glow. I’m drawn to the flat planes of color, outlined in black, particularly in the faces of the two sisters. Their skin tones are built up with soft, creamy gradients, while the eyes are simple black ovals, creating a serene and otherworldly feel. The plant growing out of the hand of one of the sisters reminds me of the flat, cartoon-like plants you sometimes see in the work of Philip Guston, particularly in the rendering of the lips as leaves. It is almost as if the painting is trying to come to life. Ultimately, Léger embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations, leaving us with more questions than answers.