Collector's Guide to Fernand Léger

Fernand Léger was a socialist, believing that art should enrich the lives of all. He taught throughout his life, influencing generations of artists who would later become significant figures in the art world. Artists such as Saloua Raouda Choucair, Louise Bourgeois, William Klein, Tarsila Do Amaral and Marlow Moss all graduated from his classes, while abstract painters and sculptors, such as Henry Moore, were inspired by Léger's unique form of Cubism that relied on cylindrical forms.

The 1960s might also have looked a lot different without Léger, whose bold use of colour, simplified forms, and focus on modern industrial themes prefigured Pop Art. Léger's depiction of everyday objects and integration of text and image anticipated the movement's celebration of contemporary life and mass culture. His work bridged high art and the commercial world, impacting not only painting but graphic design and visual culture, thus paving the way for Pop Art.

At Hidden, we recommend Léger’s artworks not only for their cultural significance, but for the visual impact they have in interior spaces. The dynamic compositions, vivid colour and bold lines present in much of the artist’s work create a sense of movement and energy that would bring vibrancy to any home.

Léger’s incorporation of modern themes and industrial elements resonate with contemporary aesthetics, making his artworks both visually striking and timelessly versatile.

When World War I broke out, Léger was sent to the front line in the Argonne Forest with the French army. Living in the trenches, he began to draw his new environment, depicting soldiers, artillery parts and aeroplanes.

The artist’s experience of the war and industrial surroundings permeated his paintings in the years that followed. His rendering of human figures became mechanical, comprised of geometric volumes reminiscent of machine parts. In 1917, Léger painted one of his most famous works “The Card Players” which heralded the mechanical, Purist period, a “return to order” following the chaos of war in direct contrast to the avant garde of the early 20^th century.

Authenticity: Ensure the piece is authenticated by a reliable source. Fernand Léger's works have been meticulously documented, with catalogue raisonnés produced for his painted and graphic works. A catalogue raisonné is a comprehensive listing of all known works produced by an artist in a particular medium. At Hidden, we have an extensive reference library that enables us to ensure that the works we offer are as defined in the reference literature.

Condition: Condition is absolutely key when it comes to the value of an artwork. As paper is a particularly fragile material, it is important to look for pieces that have been well-preserved. At Hidden, we go one step further and frame our artworks in-house using archival materials and techniques including 99% anti-UV glass to best protect the works for years to come. Colour is intrinsic to Léger's art, and an image that has faded even slightly will struggle to find a buyer. It is vital to select artworks that are preserved and appear as the artist intended.

Editioning: For prints, edition size can also impact value. Typically, smaller editions are more rare and therefore more desirable, fetching higher prices. However, just because an artwork was published as an edition of a certain number, does not mean that there are still that number in existence today. Over time, artworks are often lost or damaged meaning that, in reality, there are likely far less in circulation or on the market than when they were first produced. 

Signature: Hand-signed pieces are generally (although not always) more desirable.

Historical Significance: The subject matter of any given image will have an effect on its value. Works that reflect pivotal moments in Léger’s career or art history tend to fetch higher prices.