The artwork entitled “The tree in the scale” was created by the artist Fernand Léger between the years 1943 and 1944. This piece exemplifies the Purism movement—a genre of art that Léger significantly influenced with his focus on modernity and mechanization. Classified under the landscape genre, the artwork incorporates elements that may evoke themes of nature and environment, albeit through the distinctive abstract lens characteristic of Léger’s style.
Upon examination of the artwork, one observes a complex amalgamation of organic and geometric forms. The composition is bold, with a central figure that resembles a deconstructed tree, though interpreted with a surreal and mechanical sensibility. Vibrant colors intersect and overlay, contributing to the dynamic and somewhat disorienting effect. Solid, black outlines define certain shapes, yielding stark contrasts and emphasizing the structural aspects of the tableau.
Geometric shapes, reminiscent of machinery or industrial elements, are interlaced with the organic forms, possibly reflecting the tension or harmony between nature and industrialization—a prevalent theme in Léger’s oeuvre. Round forms suggesting fruits and foliage are juxtaposed against angular, man-made structures, creating visual discord and resonance simultaneously. The use of primary colors alongside muted tones further accentuates the peculiar blend of life and constructivism, a hallmark of Léger’s unique artistic approach during the Purist phase. Overall, the artwork stands as a testament to Léger’s vision of a new, modern landscape that integrates the natural and the fabricated.
