The Creation of the World 

Fernand Léger made ‘The Creation of the World’ using glue-based paint on canvas, although it is undated. Here, Léger presents a fragmented vision, typical of his post-World War Two style in France. He invokes the theme of genesis with imagery that is at once ancient and modern, with the sacred and the industrial. Léger's work often reflects the socio-political climate, and this piece is no exception. Léger was a committed communist, and his works often promoted the dignity of labour. Here, that comes through in the mechanised forms he gives to both figures and buildings. The juxtaposition of the organic and geometric forms reflects his belief in a harmonious blend of humanity and technology, a concept rooted in the social ideals of post-war reconstruction. Léger’s exploration of colour and form, also demonstrates his interest in challenging traditional artistic conventions, echoing the broader cultural shifts of the time. To truly understand this, we need to consider Léger's personal history, and the political and economic conditions in France at the time, using archival materials and scholarly analysis.