Sketch for the stained-glass window in Caracas University library, circa 1954
Gouache on paper
40.2 x 70.5 cm

Donated by Nadia Léger and Georges Bauquier
Musée national Fernand Léger, Inv. 97076


Léger’s fame and the success of his architectural works of art prompted the Venezuelan architect Carlos Villanuéva to get in touch with him regarding the decoration of Caracas University, the construction of which Villanuéva had overseen. Based on the university’s drawings, Léger sent 12 sketches for the architect to choose from for 2 mosaics to be installed in the garden and 2 sketches for a stained-glass window in the library. “Since I am not there, I leave the decision up to you, based on the light or visual distance,” he wrote to Villanuéva. Léger then sent some instructions about how to put up his creations. Even in Léger’s absence, the stained-glass window produced by Barillet and installed on-site proved entirely satisfactory. By filtering the light that bathes the floor in a harmony of colours, the stained-glass window beckons students into the reading rooms.