Fernand Leger: The Monumental Art

Milan, Italy: Five Continents Editions, 2005. Hardcover. New in shrinkwrap.. BW-illustrated boards with white and brown lettering. 223 pp. BW and color illustrations. Mural painting became a significant part of Fernand L,ger's work with commissions for the World's Fairs of 1925 and then 1937, held in Paris. They grew increasingly important during the years preceding his exile in America, then, upon on his return to France, in the context of Reconstruction. Due to his international fame, opportunities arose in Europe, the United States, South America and Canada. Yvonne Brunhammer is the former chief curator of the Mus,e des Arts D,coratifs in Paris. Pierre Descargues is a famous French art historian and a personal friend of L,ger and many other twentieth century artist. Over 200 illustrations of the large works and the preparatory studies. Brilliantly presented. Contents as follows: Introduction / Thomas M. Messer -- monumental art of Fernand Leger / Pierre Descargues -- By way of introduction : orchestrating the outdoor show -- prelude to monumental art : Fernand Leger's studio -- "The spectacular object, the spectacular ballet" -- "The wall, the architect, and the artist" : 1925-1940 -- American adventures : 1931/1935/1938-1939/1941-1945 -- Back to France : all forms of monumental art 1946-1955 -- Fernand Leger's idea to ceramics : new "plastic facts" -- Leger after Leger -- By way of conclusion : "that is how it all began ..." -- life of Fernand Leger -- Select bibliography / Mathilde Simian.