The artwork, titled “The album ‘Circus’,” was created by Fernand Léger in 1950. It is part of the Purism art movement and falls within the genre of sketches and studies. This piece is one in a series known as “The album ‘Circus'” and is currently housed at the Musée National Fernand Léger in Biot, France.
In the artwork, a figure is prominently depicted, dressed in a red shirt and hat, holding what appears to be circus hoops or rings. The figure’s pose and the bold colors used highlight a sense of strength and preparedness, fitting the lively and dynamic themes often associated with circus life. The background features a striking yellow section with black linear elements, further contributing to the composition’s vibrant and modern aesthetic, characteristic of Léger’s Purist style. The use of simplified forms and strong outlines emphasizes the subject’s physicality, creating an engaging visual experience that captures the essence of a circus performer’s world.