Jacques Villon (1875 - 1963)

Jacques Villon

Jacques Villon, birth name Gaston Duchamp, was a French painter and printmaker. In 1907 he changed his name to Jacques Villon. He was the brother of artists Marcel Duchamp and Raymond Duchamp-Villon.

Villon began his career as a painter and his early work was influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. He later became interested in Cubism and, together with his brother Raymond, became a member of the Putot group, a collective of artists who experimented with Cubist techniques.

In addition to painting, Villon was also a skilled engraver. He worked in various engraving techniques, including etching, aquatint and dry glass, and his prints are known for their intricate lines and geometric shapes.

Villon's work continued to evolve throughout his career, experimenting with different styles and techniques. In his later years, he returned to a more traditional style of painting, creating landscapes and portraits with bright colors and expressive strokes.

Villon's works were exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Pompidou Centre in Paris. He is considered to be one of the most significant figures of the Cubist movement and his contribution to modern art is still celebrated today.