The two sailors 1951

Fernand Léger made this painting of two sailors in France, using bold black outlines on a beige background. The flat application of the paint simplifies the figures and objects, reducing them to their essential forms. Léger's choice of this graphic style draws attention to the way the image was constructed, focusing on the fundamental elements of line and shape. There is an inherent relationship between the visual structure of the artwork and the labor involved in its creation. By stripping away the details and emphasizing the underlying geometry, Léger invites us to consider the essential qualities of materials, and the physical act of applying paint to canvas. Léger highlights the dignity of labor, and the importance of the working class in modern society. The sailors are presented as strong, capable figures, their bodies and movements conveying a sense of purpose and determination. In doing so, Léger elevates the status of the working class, challenging traditional hierarchies and celebrating the value of human effort.