The artwork titled “Chimneys on Rooftops” is an oil painting on canvas created by Fernand Léger in 1911. This piece, which measures 45.7 by 54.6 centimeters, belongs to the Cubism art movement and represents a cityscape. It is currently part of a private collection.
This painting features a complex, fragmented depiction of urban rooftops punctuated by chimneys, portrayed through Léger’s characteristic cubist style. The buildings are rendered in a geometric abstraction, with overlapping forms and intersecting lines creating a dynamic composition. The color palette includes muted tones of grey, brown, and ochre, with hints of white and dark accents, contributing to the industrial, solemn atmosphere of the scene. The overall effect is one of organized chaos, with the intricate arrangement of shapes and subtle use of shading providing depth and movement to the architectural subject matter. The artwork captures the essence of early 20th-century urban life through its innovative and abstract representation.