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Fernand Léger
Pleasant Thoughts for the Morning

1948

About the Item

FERNAND LÉGER 1881-1955 Argentan 1881-1955 Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette (French) Title: Pleasant Thoughts for the Morning Bonne Pensée du Matin, from: Les Illuminations, 1948 Technique: Original Hand Signed and Dated Watercolour and Ink Drawing on Wove Paper Paper size: 49 x 38.5 cm. / 19.3 x 15.2 in. Image size: 44.5 x 36.5 cm. / 17.5 x 14.4 in. Additional Information: This original watercolour and ink drawing was realised by Léger in 1948. It is signed and dated by the artist at the lower right part. This drawing was prepared as a study for a lithograph to be included in Rimbauds, Les Illuminations (published in 1949). However the scale of the work was deemed too large for inclusion for inclusion and so a smaller subject was prepared This work is accompanied by an affidavit signed by Irus Hansma on 19th November 2001, which states: “Fernand Léger – Bonne pensée du matin – 1948 Aquarelle, gouache et l’encre de chine sur papier. Signé, date du monogramme F.L.48 49 x38,5 cm. au dos Justification de l’éditeur Grosclaude ‘gouache originale de Fernand Leger , exécutée par l’artiste pour les illuminations de Rimbaud en 1948 – Refusée parceque, le format trop grand” Note: The publisher approached Fernand Léger on 28th January 1948 with a proposal to illustrate a collection of poetry by the renowned French poet, Arthur Rimbaud. The selected anthology was entitled Les Illuminations. This drawing was prepared as a study for a lithograph to be included in Rimbaud's, Les Illuminations (published in 1949). However the scale of the work was deemed too large for inclusion and so a smaller subject was prepared. The original poem by Arthur Rimbaud was written in 1872 and Leger has approached the subject in typical style. The lithograph bears a similar composition to the preparatory drawing with minor alterations. The original poem is: À quatre heures du matin, l'été, At four o'clock on a summer morning, Le Sommeil d'amour dure encore. The Sleep of love still lasts. Sous les bosquets l'aube évapore Under the spinneys the dawn disperses scents L'odeur du soir fêté. Of the festive night. Mais là-bas dans l'immense chantier But down there in the huge workshop Vers le soleil des Hespérides, Near the Hesperidean sun, En bras de chemise, les charpentiers The carpenters in their shirtsleeves Déjà s'agitent. Are already astir. Dans leur désert de mousse, tranquilles, Peaceful in the midst of their wilderness of foam, Ils préparent les lambris précieux They are preparing the costly canopies Où la richesse de la ville Where the riches of the city Rira sous de faux cieux. Will smile beneath painted skies. Ah ! pour ces Ouvriers charmants Ah! for these charming Labourer's sakes Sujets d'un roi de Babylone, Subjects of a king of Babylon, Vénus ! laisse un peu les Amants, Venus! leave Lovers for a little while, Dont l'âme est en couronne. Whose souls are wearing crowns. O Reine des Bergers ! O Queen of the Sheperds! Porte aux travailleurs l'eau-de-vie, Take strong liquor to the workers, Pour que leur forces soient en paix So that their strength may be calmed En attendant le bain dans la mer, à midi. Until the sea-bathe at noon. Mai 1872 May 1872 Condition: In Excellent Condition. The colours strong.
  • Creator:
    Fernand Léger (1881-1955, French)
  • Creation Year:
    1948
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.3 in (49 cm)Width: 15.16 in (38.5 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1804061921
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