Bio
Jacques Villon (1875–1963) was a French painter and printmaker, renowned for his contributions to Cubism and his influence on modern art. Born as Gaston Émile Duchamp in Damville, Normandy, he was the elder brother of notable artists Marcel Duchamp, Raymond Duchamp-Villon, and Suzanne Duchamp.
Villon’s early work was influenced by Impressionism and Symbolism, but around 1911, he became associated with the Cubist movement, developing his unique interpretation of geometric abstraction. He explored color, form, and light to create paintings that were both analytical and visually compelling.
In addition to painting, Villon was a master printmaker. His etchings and lithographs were celebrated for their technical precision and artistic innovation. He played a significant role in promoting modern art in France and beyond, particularly through his involvement with the Section d’Or, an influential group of artists.
Jacques Villon received considerable recognition during his lifetime, including the Grand Prize for Printmaking at the Venice Biennale in 1956. He passed away in Puteaux, a suburb of Paris, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking work.