“Woman with a Book” is a portrait artwork created by Fernand Léger in 1923, embodying the principles of the Cubism art movement. The dimensions of the painting are 116 x 81.4 cm.
The artwork depicts a stylized and abstracted figure of a woman, rendered in prominent cubist forms and geometric shapes. Set against a vibrant red background, the woman holds a book close to her chest with one hand, while her other hand clutches a bouquet of flowers. Her face is simplified with smooth, curvilinear features, reflecting Léger’s distinctive style. The palette used in the painting includes a bold combination of black, white, and red, augmented by the subtle use of blue tones on her skirt. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the flatness of the background and the volumetric portrayal of the figure, highlighting the intersection of form and color characteristic of Cubism. The figure’s mechanical and almost robotic appearance further emphasizes Léger’s fascination with modernity and industrial aesthetics.
