“The Baluster,” created by Fernand Léger in 1925, is an abstract oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Cubist art movement. Housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, New York, this artwork captures geometric shapes and forms in a highly stylized manner.
The composition of the artwork is dominated by a central abstracted baluster, expertly rendered through a series of cylindrical and rectangular forms. The baluster is framed by a backdrop of contrasting colors, predominantly earthy tones such as beige, yellow, and red, with stark black and white elements adding depth and dimension. An interplay of sharp lines and rounded shapes characterizes the painting, reflecting Léger’s distinctive Cubist approach. His use of bold colors and geometric abstraction invites viewers to explore the dynamic relationships between shapes and structures within the artwork.
