Fernand Léger

Etude pour 'Les Constructeurs': l'équipe au repos [Study for 'The Constructors': The Team at Rest]

About this artwork

In 1950 Léger made a series of paintings depicting construction workers. Although he had been interested in depicting modernity for some time, he was particularly inspired by the post-war process of reconstruction in France. He saw a group of electricians working on pylons and was struck by the contrast between the natural surroundings and the metallic girders. After joining the French Communist Party in 1945, Léger concentrated on the human figure, as he wanted to make his work accessible to everyone. Eager that his art should be seen by ordinary workers, he exhibited the series of 'Constructors' paintings in the canteen of the Renault car factory in Paris.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Fernand Léger (1881 - 1955) French
  • title:
    Etude pour 'Les Constructeurs': l'équipe au repos [Study for 'The Constructors': The Team at Rest]
  • date created:
    1950
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    162.00 x 129.50 cm; Framed: 183.10 x 152.10 x 11.20 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1984
  • accession number:
    GMA 2845
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Fernand Léger

Fernand Léger