Picasso, Composition (Orozco 207-261), Vingt-Neuf Portraits Imaginaires (after)

1969

This exquisite lithograph by Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled La Partie de Campagne (The Country Outing), from Verve, Revue Artistique et Litteraire, Vol. VII, No. 27–28, originates...

This exquisite lithograph after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Acrobates et musiciens (Acrobats and Musicians), originates from the 1960 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 119, Poetes, peintres, sculpteurs (Poets, Painters, Sculptors), published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, under the direction of Aime Maeght, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris. Acrobates et musiciens exemplifies Leger’s dynamic integration of human movement, geometric rhythm, and vibrant color—hallmarks of his post-Cubist visual language. The composition celebrates modern vitality and the harmony of mechanized and organic forms, capturing the artist’s enduring fascination with energy, structure, and the human figure in motion. Executed on velin paper, this lithograph measures 15 x 22 inches (38.1 x 55.9 cm), with centerfold, as issued. Signed in the plate, as issued. The edition reflects the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the Maeght and Mourlot collaborations, translating Leger’s bold visual vocabulary into a masterful graphic work. Artwork Details: Artist: After Fernand Leger (1881–1955) Title: Acrobates et musiciens (Acrobats and Musicians), from Derriere le Miroir, No. 119, Poetes, peintres, sculpteurs (Poets, Painters, Sculptors), 1960 Medium: Lithograph on velin paper Dimensions: 15 x 22 inches (38.1 x 55.9 cm), with centerfold, as issued Inscription: Signed in the plate, as issued Date: 1960 Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue raisonne reference: Leger, Fernand, and Lawrence Saphire. Fernand Leger: The Complete Graphic Work. Blue Moon Press, 1978, illustration 270 Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the 1960 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 119, Poetes, peintres, sculpteurs (Poets, Painters, Sculptors), published by Maeght Editeur, Paris About the Publication: Derriere le Miroir (translated as "Behind the Mirror") was an iconic French art periodical published from 1946 to 1982 by Maeght Editeur, one of the most influential art publishers of the 20th century. Founded by Aime Maeght in Paris, the publication was conceived as a visual and literary collaboration between leading modern artists, poets, and critics. Each issue functioned as both an exhibition catalogue and a work of art in itself—featuring original lithographs printed directly from the artists' stones or plates, alongside essays, poems, and critical commentary. Over the course of 36 years, Derriere le Miroir produced more than 250 issues and showcased an extraordinary roster of artists including Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Fernand Leger, Pierre Bonnard, Alberto Giacometti, Eduardo Chillida, Ellsworth Kelly, Francis Bacon, Paul Rebeyrolle, Claude Garache, Antoni Tapies, Bram van Velde, Pierre Alechinsky, Pol Bury, Shusaku Arakawa, and Gerard Titus-Carmel. Printed in the ateliers of Mourlot, Arte, and Imprimerie Moderne du Lion, the periodical set new standards for quality in color lithography, combining fine art printing with elegant typography and poetic text. Beyond its visual brilliance, Derriere le Miroir also became a cultural chronicle of postwar European modernism. Each issue coincided with exhibitions held at Galerie Maeght, providing a collectible and widely accessible record of groundbreaking shows. Its integration of image, text, and philosophy created a dialogue between art and literature that elevated the modern art book to new aesthetic heights. Today, Derriere le Miroir remains one of the most sought-after and historically significant art publications, prized by collectors and scholars alike for its craftsmanship, influence, and its role in defining the visual language of 20th-century modernism. The Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence continues to honor this legacy through exhibitions and archival preservation of the series, affirming Derriere le Miroir's enduring place in the history of modern art and fine art publishing. About the Artist: Fernand Leger (1881–1955) was a French painter, sculptor, and filmmaker whose bold, mechanized aesthetic made him one of the most influential figures of modern art. A pioneer of Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Leger developed a distinctive style that celebrated modern life through rhythmic forms, tubular figures, and vibrant color contrasts. His compositions combined industrial precision with human warmth, reflecting both the dynamism and optimism of the 20th century. Influenced by and in dialogue with leading artists such as Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray, Leger bridged the gap between Cubism, abstraction, and the rise of modern design. His work extended into murals, sculpture, and film, uniting fine art with architecture and everyday life. Represented in major museums worldwide—including MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Centre Pompidou, and the Tate—Leger’s art continues to captivate collectors for its clarity, structure, and vitality. The highest price ever paid for a Fernand Leger artwork is approximately $70 million USD, achieved in 2012 at Christie's New York for Contraste de formes (1913). Fernand Leger Acrobates et musiciens, Leger Derriere le Miroir, Leger Maeght Editeur Paris, Leger Mourlot...

This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Sur la Route de Souville (On the Road to Souville), from the album Fernand Leger, Dessins de Guerre 1915...

This exquisite lithograph and pochoir after Fernand Leger (1881–1955), titled Verdun, La grille en fer (Verdun, The Iron Gate), from the album Fernand Leger, Dessins de Guerre 1915-1...