Still Life with Pitcher (Nature morte au pichet)
Painting on paper or board (potential study or gouache) • Attributed to Fernand Léger or a close follower/school of Fernand Léger
Style & Movement
Purism / Cubism (Machine Aesthetic period)
Medium & Technique
Gouache or acrylic/oil on paper; characterized by flat color zones, bold outlines, and mechanical-geometric precision typical ofPurism
Creation Period
Circa 1920-1925
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 30 x 40 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A centralized composition featuring a stylized pitcher on a yellow table, set against a background of geometric patterns including checkerboards and linear architectural motifs. The work utilizes a 'machine aesthetic' where everyday objects are reduced to their essential geometric forms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible matte finish consistent with gouache, protected under glass. Minor surface variations visible.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $45,000 (if authenticated as an original work on paper by the artist); significantly less if a high-quality reproduction or later follower.
Auction Estimate
$20,000 - $40,000
Provenance History
Unknown; subject matter and style suggest a European (French) origin during the inter-war period. Requires examination of back for labels.
Art Historical Significance
Highly significant as an example of the 'Return to Order' movement in post-WWI France, reflecting Léger's fascination with industrial beauty and mechanical rhythm.
Notable Features
The use of primary colors (red, blue, yellow) against a stark black-and-white geometric background typical of Léger's 1920s compositions.
Condition Issues
Possible light-fading in the yellow pigments; minor undulation of the paper support; potential silvering or frame-edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials; protect behind UV-filtering museum glass; maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity.