Acrobats on the red

myminifactory

Fernand Leger's Les Acrobates (The Acrobats), created in 1954, showcases his mastery of ceramic artistry. As a Cubist sculptor, Leger pushes the boundaries of traditional representation, distorting proportions and flattening perspectives to create a unique visual experience. This ceramic work is a prime example of Leger's skillful manipulation of form and color. Yves Brunhammer notes that Leger employed an innovative technique in creating his ceramic works, beginning with enameled terracotta low reliefs based on patterns from his pre-1950 paintings. Most of these ceramic pieces feature motifs similar to those found in his paintings, demonstrating a seamless integration of mediums. Roland Brice's reproduction of Leger's motifs in soft clay allowed for the creation of molds, which were then used to produce multiple plaques. These plaques were enamel-coated in various colors, enabling Leger to experiment with different forms and relief techniques. The use of black outlines and color variations on a white enamel background creates a striking visual effect. In Les Acrobates, three figures entwine in playful indifference, their elongated limbs creating a cartoonish depiction of acrobats performing a trick. The vibrant red background contrasts beautifully with the white-colored figures, while black outlines add depth and dimensionality to the composition. The characters appear to float towards the viewer, drawing them into the artwork's dynamic space. Initialled 'F.L.' in black by Fernand Léger (Argentan, 1881- Gif-sur-Yvette, 1955), this terracotta low relief ceramic plaque is a rare example from an edition of 250.