The Philosopher (Le Philosophe)
Jacques Villon
European Art
Based on a life study of a seated male bather swathed in a towel and reading a newspaper, Villon’s simultaneously geometric and organic painting blends hard- and softedged intersecting planes with the contours of a powerful, muscular body and its enveloping white drapery. Although this work developed out of an initial interest in the human form, the artist gave it a title that evokes the metaphysical realm of the intellect or the incorporeal—reflecting Villon’s own considered approach to painting.
MEDIUM
Oil on canvas
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)
SIGNATURE
Signed and dated lower left: "Jacques Villon '30"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
EXHIBITIONS
ACCESSION NUMBER
34.1000
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Gerda Stein
RECORD COMPLETENESS
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