Fernand LÉGER (1881-1955) - Lot 23

Fernand LÉGER (1881-1955) The Five Wounds of Christ, model for the Audincourt stained-glass windows, 1951 Gouache on paper. Monogrammed and dated lower right. Annotated "Maquette vitraux (Eglise Audincourt) - F. Léger 51 - N° G-276_12" on the mount. Label from Musée Fernand Léger - Biot. 21 x 46.5 cm Related work : Les Cinq plaies du Christ (1950), gouache on paper, 30.7 x 87 cm, held at the Centre Pompidou, inventory no. AM 3436 P. This model was created for the seventeen stained glass windows in the crown of light around the nave of the Église du Sacré-Cœur in Audincourt, Doubs. The "Five Suns" stained glass window occupies the central position in Fernand Léger's crown of light. The artist was directly inspired by the vision of Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, a Visitation nun from the second half of the 17th century who initiated the cult of the Sacred Heart. "Jesus Christ, who appeared to me all radiant with glory and his five wounds shining like suns". He draws the mystical vision of the saint's autobiographical notebook, associating the heart and the sun-wound in the same sign. The sun-wound motif is repeated five times: twice to signify the wounds on Christ's feet, twice on his hands and once on his side, caused by the lance. A certificate from the Comité Léger can be supplied at the purchaser's request and expense. A certificate of inclusion in the Répertoire des œuvres sur papier de Fernand Léger, currently being prepared by Madame Irus Hansma, will be issued on request and at the purchaser's expense.