The Philosopher (Le Philosophe)
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
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.
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) 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). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Gerda Stein, 34.1000. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 34.1000_SL1.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Artist
Title
The Philosopher (Le Philosophe)
Date
1930
Geography
Place made: Europe
Medium
Oil on canvas
Classification
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)
Signatures
Signed and dated lower left: "Jacques Villon '30"
Credit Line
Gift of Gerda Stein
Accession Number
34.1000
Rights
© artist or artist's estate
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