Nature morte à la choppe (Still life with a Beer Mug)
Original painting on paper or possibly a fine art print (lithograph/serigraph) • Fernand Léger (French, 1881–1955)
Style & Movement
Purism / Cubism / Tubism; post-WWI 'Return to Order' movement emphasizing geometry and industrial form.
Medium & Technique
Gouache or oil on paper/board; characterized by flat planes of color, bold outlines, and a mechanical, tubular aesthetic consistent with the Purism technique.
Creation Period
Circa 1920-1928 (Synthetic Cubist / Purist period)
Dimensions & Format
Small to medium format, portrait orientation; approximately 30 x 22 cm (image size, estimated).
Subject Description
A central, stylized beer mug sits on a yellow table surface. Surrounding it are plates with fruit (spherical forms) and possibly bread. The background is a dense grid of geometric patterns, including a black and white checkerboard floor and architectural motifs, representing a domestic but mechanized interior.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some slight undulation of the paper support and possible fading of the bright yellows, common for gouache works of this age.
Estimated Market Value
$50,000 - $150,000 (if original gouache); $2,000 - $8,000 (if an authorized posthumous or limited edition print)
Auction Estimate
$40,000 - $120,000 for an original work on paper.
Provenance History
Likely from a French or European private collection or a gallery specializing in early 20th-century Modernism. No visible stamps or labels are identifiable in the current photograph.
Art Historical Significance
Léger was a pioneer of modernism who influenced pop art and graphic design. This work represents his transition from the chaos of 'Contrast of Forms' to a more structured, calm, and 'machine-age' aesthetic following his service in WWI.
Notable Features
The distinctive 'mechanical' handle of the mug and the use of primary colors (red, blue, yellow) against a stark black-and-white geometric background are hallmarks of Léger’s mature style.
Condition Issues
Possible minor foxing or light staining at the margins; slight surface glares suggest it is under glass which may have caused minor moisture trapping/rippling.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, archival materials and protected by UV-filtering museum glass. Maintain a stable environment (50% RH) to prevent further paper warping.