The artwork titled “Geometric standards,” created by Fernand Leger in 1913, represents an abstract genre deeply influenced by the Tubism art movement. It embodies an exploration of form and color through a geometric lens, contributing to the avant-garde narrative of early 20th-century art.
Upon examining the artwork, one can observe an intricate assemblage of geometric shapes and fragmented forms. The composition is dominated by a vibrant palette comprising reds, greens, yellows, and blues, punctuated with white and black to articulate the division of forms. These hues intersect and overlap, creating a sense of depth and dynamism within the plane. The forms appear to be abstracted from objects, potentially influenced by the mechanical and urban environment, reflecting Leger’s interest in the modern industrial world.
Noticeably, there is an intentional mechanical quality to the assemblage, suggesting the influence of machinery and the rhythm of urban life. This is consistent with Leger’s known fascination with the modern age and its components. Despite the abstraction, there is a semblance of order and organized chaos, which can be linked to the broader aims of the Tubism movement – a term that echoes Cubism but with a focus on cylindrical shapes and tubular elements. Through this visual lexicon, Leger articulates the contemporaneous enthusiasm for progress and the reassessment of traditional pictorial forms.
