The artwork, titled “Portrait of Henry Viel, a friend of painter Fernand Léger,” is a sketch completed by Fernand Léger in the year 1903. This piece, which belongs to the Cubism art movement, is categorized under the genre of sketch and study. It is currently located in the Musée National Fernand Léger in Biot, France.
In the artwork, a man is portrayed in a seated position, exuding a sense of relaxed yet confident demeanor. The sharp lines and angular forms used in the sketch capture the essence of the Cubism movement, although it predates Léger’s full embrace of Cubism. The subject’s distinct features are highlighted through exaggerated proportions, particularly the mustache and ears, which add a whimsical element to the composition. The background features a textured pattern that contrasts with the more defined figure, creating a dynamic visual interplay. The monochromatic palette and gestural lines establish an intimate and contemplative atmosphere, as if capturing a fleeting moment of the subject lost in thought. The date “1903” is visibly noted, marking this piece as an early work of the artist.
