The artwork, titled “Butterflies (Still Life with Butterflies)”, created by Fernand Léger in 1948, is a distinguished representation of the Purism movement. Measuring 65 by 50 centimeters, this flower painting is housed in the Musée National Fernand Léger, located in Biot, France.
The artwork displays a vivid composition where butterflies are interwoven with abstracted geometric shapes and organic forms. Dominated by bold colors such as red, blue, yellow, and green, the painting epitomizes Léger’s approach to Purism, emphasizing clarity and simplicity. The butterflies, depicted with striking patterns and hues, seemingly hover among the contiguous semicircular shapes, creating a dynamic yet harmonious arrangement. This intentional juxtaposition of curvilinear and angular forms forms a visual dialogue, capturing both movement and structural coherence. The piece embodies a blend of natural elements with an abstraction that typifies Léger’s artistic innovation during the mid-20th century.