Homage to Fernand Leger, 1972

Fernand Leger (1881 – 1955) was a French painter, sculptor and filmmaker. In his early works he created a personal form of cubism which he gradually modified into a more figurative, populist style. His boldly simplified treatment of modern subject matter has caused him to be regarded as a forerunner of pop art. Leger was born in Lower Normandy, where his father raised cattle. He initially trained as an architect before moving to Paris, where he supported himself as an architectural draftsman. Leger wrote in 1945 that "The object in modern painting must become the main character and overthrow the subject. If, in turn, the human form becomes an object, it can considerably liberate possibilities for the modern artist."