Fernand Léger, cyclist and his bicycle by Atelier Liesjes

This 1948 work shows a stylised figure of a cyclist visually merging with his bicycle and the surrounding mechanical forms. The figure is composed of geometric planes and powerful contours, with a striped shirt and a cap - typical features of Léger's human figures. The bicycle is not realistically rendered, but consists of gears, circles and abstract parts that together evoke an industrial aesthetic.

The background consists of vertical blocks of colour in red, yellow and black, giving the image rhythm and structure. Here, Léger emphasises the symbiosis between man and machine, a recurring theme in his work. The painting celebrates movement, labour and modernity, and fits within his vision of art as a visual language expressing the energy of modern life.

Fernand Léger was a French artist born in Argentan, Normandy. He began his career as an architectural draftsman before devoting himself entirely to painting. In Paris, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian, where he came into contact with avant-garde artists such as Robert Delaunay and Marc Chagall.

Léger is considered an important representative of cubism, but he soon developed his own style that was distinct from that of Picasso and Braque. His work is characterised by:

Geometric forms: He used cylindrical and mechanical structures to abstract people and objects.

Bright, contrasting colours: Léger often chose bright areas of colour that he juxtaposed to create depth and rhythm.

Industrial and modern theme: His paintings often reflect the dynamics of the modern city and technology.

Figurative elements: After World War I, his works became more accessible and included more recognisable human figures.

His style influenced later movements such as pop art and he also worked with film, mosaic and sculpture.