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Collection by Matthew Keeshin

Modern Master: Le Corbusier

Not many people will recognize the name Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, but they will immediately know the architect known as Le Corbusier. The self-appointed nickname is just one of the characteristics that sets apart this visionary mind. From the seminal Villa Savoye to the monumental city of Chandigarh, Le Corbusier defined the modern architecture in the 20th century by rethinking city planning, furniture, and the built environment.

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Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret) (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Villa Savoye, Poissy. 1928-31. Model, 1932. Wood, aluminum, and plastic. 16 x 34 x 32” (40.6 x 86.4 x 81.3 cm). Model maker: Theodore Conrad. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Purchase. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris / FLC
Le Corbusier (Charles-Edouard Jeanneret) (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Villa Savoye, Poissy. 1928-31. Model, 1932. Wood, aluminum, and plastic. 16 x 34 x 32” (40.6 x 86.4 x 81.3 cm). Model maker: Theodore Conrad. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Purchase. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris / FLC
A photomontage made by Perriand in 1929.
A photomontage made by Perriand in 1929.
In a portion of the living area, Le Corbusier’s LC2 chair is set alongside Pablo Pardo’s Elise lamp.
In a portion of the living area, Le Corbusier’s LC2 chair is set alongside Pablo Pardo’s Elise lamp.
The view overlooking the living room, which features the famous Le Corbusier rug by Edward Fields. The residents were also careful to save the sofa, which Meier himself designed for the space.
The view overlooking the living room, which features the famous Le Corbusier rug by Edward Fields. The residents were also careful to save the sofa, which Meier himself designed for the space.
The chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France, designed by Le Corbusier and photographed in 1955. Gelatin silver print. Carnegie Museum of Art, Purchase: gift of the Drue Heinz Trust. Image courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art, copyright Ezra Stoller/Esto, Yossi Milo Gallery.
The chapel of Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France, designed by Le Corbusier and photographed in 1955. Gelatin silver print. Carnegie Museum of Art, Purchase: gift of the Drue Heinz Trust. Image courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art, copyright Ezra Stoller/Esto, Yossi Milo Gallery.
Playing with vantage points and parallax—the act of displacement that occurs when viewing an object from different perspectives—is central to Varini's work.
Playing with vantage points and parallax—the act of displacement that occurs when viewing an object from different perspectives—is central to Varini's work.
In 1951, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru entrusted Le Corbusier with the design of the city of Chandigarh, a new modern capital for the state of Punjab. When Le Corbusier opted out of the Chandigarh project halfway through its execution, Pierre Jeanneret became the project's chief architect and urban designer. Photo courtesy of Galerie Downtown.
In 1951, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru entrusted Le Corbusier with the design of the city of Chandigarh, a new modern capital for the state of Punjab. When Le Corbusier opted out of the Chandigarh project halfway through its execution, Pierre Jeanneret became the project's chief architect and urban designer. Photo courtesy of Galerie Downtown.
Le Corbusier's 1960 tapestry Lés des sont Jetés at @collectivedf.
Le Corbusier's 1960 tapestry Lés des sont Jetés at @collectivedf.
Le Corbusier LC50 Armchair; Photo by Abrams Books
Le Corbusier LC50 Armchair; Photo by Abrams Books
Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye, constructed1928-31. Photo Cemal Emden via Divisare.
Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye, constructed1928-31. Photo Cemal Emden via Divisare.
The Le Corbusier card renders the letter "C" in the form of the Villa Savoye.
The Le Corbusier card renders the letter "C" in the form of the Villa Savoye.
Le Corbusier, St. Pierre Church, Firminy, France
Le Corbusier, St. Pierre Church, Firminy, France
Le Corbusier visits Rodrigues in Rio, date unknown. Photo courtesy Espasso.
Le Corbusier visits Rodrigues in Rio, date unknown. Photo courtesy Espasso.
One of Shively's top priorities was an innovative lighting scheme that would combat the dark interiors that many narrow Chicago homes create. Thanks to centrally located skylights and rows of bulbs between wood beams, the house enjoys an even glow and details like this Le Corbusier chair aren't obscured.
One of Shively's top priorities was an innovative lighting scheme that would combat the dark interiors that many narrow Chicago homes create. Thanks to centrally located skylights and rows of bulbs between wood beams, the house enjoys an even glow and details like this Le Corbusier chair aren't obscured.
Firminy C, Le Corbusier, 2007, silver gelatin print.
Firminy C, Le Corbusier, 2007, silver gelatin print.
Le Corbusier conceived his urban plan for Rio de Janiero while viewing the city during a plane ride. 1929. Aerial perspective with Guanabara Bay, the center and the beaches. (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Charcoal and pastel on paper. 29 15/16 x 31 11/16” (76 x 80.5 cm). Foundation Le Corbusier, Paris. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris/FLC
Le Corbusier conceived his urban plan for Rio de Janiero while viewing the city during a plane ride. 1929. Aerial perspective with Guanabara Bay, the center and the beaches. (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Charcoal and pastel on paper. 29 15/16 x 31 11/16” (76 x 80.5 cm). Foundation Le Corbusier, Paris. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris/FLC
Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret). (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Assembly, Chandigarh. 1961-64. Model of the roof structure, 1964. Plaster and painted wood. 31 7/8 x 45 1/16 x 45 1/2 (81 x 114.5 x 115.5 cm). The Museum of Modern Art. Gift of Barbara Jakobson and the Architecture & Design Purchase Fund, 2010. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris/FLC
Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret). (French, born Switzerland. 1887-1965). Assembly, Chandigarh. 1961-64. Model of the roof structure, 1964. Plaster and painted wood. 31 7/8 x 45 1/16 x 45 1/2 (81 x 114.5 x 115.5 cm). The Museum of Modern Art. Gift of Barbara Jakobson and the Architecture & Design Purchase Fund, 2010. © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris/FLC
The LC4 is joined by another tubular steel classic, the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer, along with furniture from CB2 in this Seattle home.
The LC4 is joined by another tubular steel classic, the Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer, along with furniture from CB2 in this Seattle home.
Le Corbusier, apartment and studio, Paris. Photo: Olivier Martin-Gambler
Le Corbusier, apartment and studio, Paris. Photo: Olivier Martin-Gambler

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