Le Cycliste (1948) 1951

Bold, graphic, and profoundly modern, this 1951 original lithographic poster reproduces Fernand Léger’s Le Cycliste (1948), capturing the artist’s signature style at the height of his post-war period. Executed in vibrant blocks of red, yellow, and black, the composition fuses man and machine in a harmonious celebration of movement and mechanical rhythm.

This work was produced avant la lettre, meaning before any overprinted exhibition text—offering the pure visual lithograph in its most refined state. It was created for the influential series "Les Peintres Témoins de leur Temps" (“Painters Witnesses of Their Time”), a post-war cultural initiative that invited artists to reflect on the world around them through contemporary art.

Masterfully printed at the Ateliers Mourlot in Paris, the lithograph was engraved by the legendary Charles Sorlier, Léger’s close collaborator and one of the finest lithographic craftsmen of the 20th century. The artist’s monogram "F.L. 48" can be seen in the lower right of the image, referencing the original artwork's date.

Le Cycliste encapsulates Léger’s fascination with modern life, machinery, and the human figure. Its dynamic forms and bold contour lines exemplify his vision of a new visual language suited for the machine age. The use of contrasting color blocks and simplified anatomy reflect his goal of creating art that was accessible, democratic, and rhythmically engaging.

A rare and collectible piece of mid-century graphic art, this poster stands as both a testament to Léger’s legacy and to the golden age of French lithography—a striking convergence of fine art, design, and cultural commentary.

Cubism - Exhibition

Before the Letter - Painters Witnesses of Their Time - Charles Sorlier Engraver

Printed by Mourlot

Bon état, légère salissure