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The Philosopher (Le Philosophe)

Jacques Villon

European Art

Although this work, The Philosopher, developed out of an initial interest in the human form, Jacques Villon gave it a title that evokes the metaphysical realm of the intellect or the incorporeal. The monumentalized figure, swathed in a robe or towel and appearing to hold a newspaper or perhaps a drawing pad, echoes elements from earlier self-portraits and portraits of Villon’s brother, the artist Marcel Duchamp, and may have been based on one of these works.
MEDIUM Oil on canvas
  • Place Made: Europe
  • DATES 1930
    DIMENSIONS 39 5/8 x 31 7/8in. (100.6 x 81cm) Frame: 46 x 37 1/2 in. (116.8 x 95.3 cm) Mount: 8 3/8 x 6 in. (21.3 x 15.3 cm)  (show scale)
    SIGNATURE Signed and dated lower left: "Jacques Villon '30"
    COLLECTIONS European Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 34.1000
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Gerda Stein
    PROVENANCE Prior to October 1930, provenance not yet documented; October 20, 1930, acquired or exhibited by Brummer Gallery, New York, NY, "Villon" no. 15; between 1930 and 1934, provenance not yet documented; January 8, 1934, acquired or exhibited by Marie Harriman Gallery, New York, "Jacques Villon," no. 21; before June 1934, acquired by Gerda Stein of New York; June 14, 1934, gift of Gerda Stein to the Brooklyn Museum.
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    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Jacques Villon (French, 1875-1963). The Philosopher (Le Philosophe), 1930. Oil on canvas, 39 5/8 x 31 7/8in. (100.6 x 81cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Gerda Stein, 34.1000. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.1000_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 34.1000_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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