The bird market 

Fernand Léger created ‘The Bird Market’ using lithography techniques. The print presents a vibrant scene, where flat planes of color and bold outlines define a playful interaction of human and animal forms within a constructed space. Léger’s composition is structured around a grid-like framework, which anchors the floating figures and objects, creating a sense of order. Yet, this underlying structure is disrupted by the dynamic arrangement of elements, such as the overlapping forms and varied use of color. Léger sought to capture the energy of modern life by breaking down forms into their essential components, then reassembling them in a way that emphasized the beauty of machinery and the vitality of human experience. Here, he uses a visual language that flattens depth and integrates figures with their environment, echoing the Cubist strategies while pushing towards a more populist aesthetic. This challenges traditional notions of perspective and representation, reflecting the early twentieth-century shift toward abstraction and a celebration of urban dynamism. The use of lithography here underscores Léger’s commitment to making art accessible and engaging for a broad audience.