In the center of the print Modulor stands a human figure, surrounded by shapes and lines in the colors orange, blue, brown, black and white. A combination of colored planes that seem to be harmoniously interconnected by common patterns and dimensions, unfolds on the paper. The human figure, the so-called ‘modulor man’, was designed by the architect Le Corbusier and is depicted here in his characteristic representation in a black shade that contrasts strongly with the white background. The figure is placed in a square frame as large as the height of the figure, next to several planes and beams that refer to the proportional system that is represented. Directly next to the man we see a two-colored zigzag in the same height as the human figure. The colored rectangles with various patterns correspond with the various heights of body parts of the human figure. The numbers and symbols outside the square frame simultaneously correspond with some of the lines and rectangles inside that frame, further emphasizing the underlying ratios. The hand-written text ´Ami du Modulaire, cherche par toi-même, invente, découvre… Apportes tes inventions, elle seront utiles. Merci ami, Le Corbusier.´ can be read at the bottom right and translates into ´Friend of the Modulor, seek yourself, invent, discover… Bring with you your inventions, they will be useful. Thank you friend, Le Corbusier.´
The purpose of the print is to visually support Le Corbusier’s ‘Modulor’ theories. As an architect, he concentrated on creating buildings that would provide the proper facilities for people and their movements. Therefore, he developed a series of theories with the modulor man as central figure. The modulor man was based on the proportions of an average man. In short, this theory consists of a series of proportions in which three principles of ratio have been combined: the golden ratio, the Fibonacci sequence (a specific mathematical numerical series) and the modulor man. These principles combined lead to a system that according to Le Corbusier results in the ideal ratio of form and function for individuals within his architectural designs (Fondation Le Corbusier 2015, 55). In the print, the basic principle of the theory is visually represented, with the human figure as focal point surrounded by colored planes and shapes that represent the related ratios. The colors orange and blue correspond with two important mathematical components within the proportion system: the golden ratio that is nearly equal to the unit pi (orange) and the root of pi (blue) (Fondation Le Corbusier 2015, 84). The cochlea that is often associated with the theories of the golden ratio can also be recognized in the work. It is incorporated into the print for the viewer to clarify the relationship between the theory and the associated academic principles. In the surrounding background we see some semi-abstract shapes that decoratively embellish the print. Besides the basic principles of the theory, the work also displays Le Corbusier’s sense of design and unity. Plus, the accompanying text expresses the architect’s desire to put the theories into practice and to let them speak for themselves: ´Apportes tes inventions´ (Bring with you your inventions).
In relation to other works by Le Corbusier within the TU/e Art Collection, including the sculpture Objet Mathématique, the Modulor print fulfills a didactic purpose. This print and the underlying theories that are entwined with it, encourage thoughts about the connections between Le Corbusier’s various works, within and beyond the TU/e Art Collection. The architect’s comprehensive philosophy can be found throughout all his post-war work, making it plausible that the modulor ratio system could have influenced the sculpture Objet Mathématique. Le Corbusier was a prominent architect whose theories, while sometimes controversal, are highly relevant to architectural and art history up to the present day. This print stands out as a distinctive example of his work.
Authors
Anne van Antwerpen (author) studies art history and researches the TU/e Art Collection in 2024
Erik Geelen (editor and translator) is an academic heritage specialist and edits and translates texts for the TU/e Art Collection.
Britte Sloothaak (editor-in-chief) is curator of the TU/e Art Collection.
References
Fondation Le Corbusier, ‘Corbusean Vocabulary,’ Thematic Files, Accessed March 18, 2024. www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/en/thematic-folder/corbusean-vocabulary/
Fondation Le Corbusier, The Modulor and Modulor 2 (1st edition.; Switzerland: Birkenhäuser 2015).
Images (Soon online)
Image 1: Modulor print, Le Corbusier, Modulor, 1956, photo by Fondation Le Corbusier (FLC), courtesy © FLC/ADAGP 2024
Image 2: Sketch of the Modulor system from The Modulor (2015), Le Corbusier, Modulor, 1949, screenshot by Anne van Antwerpen, courtesy © FLC.ADAGP 2024
(soon online)