Jacques Villon

Original Prints: Lithographs and Drypoints

A consummate and prolific draughtsman, Jacques Villon (1875 - 1963) first became known as an illustrator in the late 1890s, before turning to drypoint engraving in a Belle Epoque style.

Around 1900, he produced a number of fine prints that are not without an acute sense of observation, including a variety of subjects, such as those shown here, scenes from the bustling city life or his immediate family circle.

Subsequently, along with his two brothers (Marcel Duchamp and Raymond Duchamp-Villon), he was instrumental in the avant-garde movement known as the Section d'Or (or the Group of Puteaux, from their regular meetings in the Villon studio there) that began to take shape in 1911. Their ideas of geometry and proportion in the organization of space, harking back to the Renaissance, were to deeply influence modern art.

Danseuse au Moulin Rouge Dancing Girl at the Moulin Rouge Ginestet & Pouillon 31 colour lithograph, 1899, the only known state, exceptionally signed by the artist This fine print of a cabaret dancer is one of Villon's best known lithographs, as originally published in Mellerio's L'Estampe et l'Affiche.

En Visite On a Visit Ginestet & Pouillon 131 drypoint, 1905, the 2nd state (of 3) A very rare proof of this charming print, showing the artist's two sisters in Sunday finery.

Yvonne aux Mains Croisées Yvonne with Clasped Hands Ginestet & Pouillon 225 drypoint, 1908, the only known state A probing portrait of the artist's sister Yvonne, with refined psychological overtones.       next artist  >