The works of Fernand Léger (1881–1955) and Henri Laurens (1885–1954) influenced modernism, although the two artists worked in different genres—Léger set the tone with paintings in strong colors, and Laurens created dynamic, voluminous sculptures that many sculptors still regard as models. This publication is the first to compare and contrast the works of the two contemporaries. In the process, light is shed on thematic parallels, common interests, and their friendship, providing an opportunity to discover these two icons of classic modernism from a new angle. The works presented stem from all of the artists’ creative periods and, according to Jean-Louis Prat, the show’s curator, are evidence of “the intelligence and good instincts of these two artists, who lent expression to a new and different language both in painting and in sculpting that remains important and continues to have an impact to this day.” (German edition ISBN 978-3-7757-3403-5) Exhibition schedule: Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden, June 23–November 4, 2012