The artwork titled “Study for the Circus,” created by Fernand Léger in 1949, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This piece is a sketch and study, measuring 50 by 32 centimeters. It is currently housed at the Musée National Fernand Léger in Biot, France.
The sketch displays an engaging composition with four figures gathered together, rendered in a stylized and somewhat childlike manner characteristic of Naïve Art. The figures are drawn with bold, thick lines and simplified forms, giving the image a lively and dynamic quality. The characters evoke a sense of performance or spectacle, which aligns with the circus theme suggested by the title. The use of black ink and minimal shading allows the expressions and interactions of the figures to stand out prominently, embodying a unique blend of spontaneity and structure typical of Léger’s study pieces. The background is filled with abstract patterns and shapes, enhancing the overall whimsical and lively atmosphere of the artwork.
