Images
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=D27311E33B006972CFB65861F6815712AF214437812E6BAB507C2781E40479C2&s=21&se=1704665464&v=6&f=1981.16_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=6BB67FDB377AF862F44DC0400E8A5829D0A55FFCFDF4BF3684AC7A735FF4CC14&s=21&se=1704665464&v=&f=%5C1981.16_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=0741E697C32CD257FA190EA502BEDB65020C29EF617791661B21B96930850AEE&s=21&se=1704665464&v=&f=%5C1981.16detFR_o2.jpg
https://piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di?e=7D0395995BB2AAC971B06A1802C18AD79C9DF0CD13DDA4D5DE948D5128CAA7B8&s=21&se=1704665464&v=&f=%5C1981.16detFR_o2.jpg
The Aviator
The Aviator
1920
Fernand Léger
(French, 1881-1955)
Oil on canvas
Framed: 80.1 x 106.7 x 4.6 cm (31 9/16 x 42 x 1 13/16 in.); Unframed: 65 x 92 cm (25 9/16 x 36 1/4 in.); Former: 90.5 x 117.2 x 7 cm (35 5/8 x 46 1/8 x 2 3/4 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1981.16
© Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
Location
Download and Share
Fun Fact
Trained as an architect to admire pure, geometric forms, Léger wrote that while fighting on the Argonne Front during World War I he was "stunned by the sight of the breech of a 75 millimeter in the sunlight. It was the magic of light on the white metal."
Description
After serving in the French army during World War I, Léger embraced the beauty of modern machinery and dedicated his life to creating art for every social class. He was among the earliest artists to embrace Cubism, but developed it into a personal style by combining abstract, geometric forms with populist subjects that proclaim his optimistic faith in technological progress. The abstract, circular shapes in this painting simulate the movement of a whirling propeller and infuse with composition with dynamic energy.
Contact us
The information about this object, including provenance information, is based on historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on objects is an ongoing process, but the information about this object may not reflect the most current information available to CMA. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
Is something not working on this page? Please email help.website@clevelandart.org.
Request a digital file from Image Services that is not available through CC0, a detail image, or any image with a color bar. If you have questions about requesting an image, please email imageservices@clevelandart.org.