“Portrait of Nadia,” crafted by the distinguished artist Fernand Léger in 1950, resides within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and belongs to the genre of sketch and study. This distinguished work is housed in the Musée National Fernand Léger located in Biot, France.
The artwork distinctly features a woman, identified as Nadia, who is portrayed in a continuous, flowing manner using simplified lines and forms characteristic of Naïve Art. The woman, depicted in a seated position, appears to be reading, as suggested by her turned gaze and the placement of a book in her hands. The use of minimalistic, almost abstract lines captures the essence of the subject without delving into detailed realism, allowing the viewer to focus on the purity of the study and the emotion conveyed through the subject’s posture and demeanor. The background is sparse, ensuring that the primary focus remains on Nadia, her serene expression, and her elegant yet unembellished attire. The signature “F.L. 50” at the lower-right corner authenticates the work as a genuine creation from 1950 by Fernand Léger.
