Rockefeller branch 1952

Fernand Léger made this sculpture, Rockefeller branch, out of painted plaster. Léger was fascinated with the relationship between human-made objects and the natural world. In this sculpture, we can see how he took inspiration from organic forms, such as branches and roots, and translated them into an abstract, geometric language. By using plaster, a common material often associated with industrial production, he blurs the boundaries between the natural and the artificial. The bold use of black and white paint emphasizes the sculpture's strong lines and shapes. You might notice how Léger applied the paint, not striving for a perfect finish, but allowing brushstrokes and textures to remain visible, bringing a handcrafted feel to the work. The sculpture embodies a dynamic tension between the precision of machine-made forms and the expressiveness of human touch, creating a unique visual experience that challenges our notions of fine art and craft.