Two Women 1921

Fernand Léger's painting, Two Women, presents us with abstracted forms rendered in watercolor. Note the curves and cylinders that suggest the figures of women, the stark contrast of light and dark. Consider the motif of the vessel. The rounded forms, repeated throughout the composition, allude to an ancient symbol of nurturing and containment. The vessel is a symbol that echoes through time, appearing in ancient fertility rituals, religious iconography, and domestic scenes. Think of the amphora in Greek art, or even the Holy Grail, each imbued with a sense of mystery. These abstracted shapes and forms may tap into a collective memory, where subconscious processes are used to construct meaning. While the forms might seem modern, the visual rhythms resonate with timeless themes of femininity and fertility. Léger invites us to engage on a deep, subconscious level, reflecting the cyclical nature of symbols that resurface and take on new meanings across time.