Skip to main content

Yvonne Duchamp, Full-Face

1913
Jacques Villon (Gaston Duchamp) (French, 1875–1963)
Of the three monumental drypoint portraits of his sister Yvonne, this is the one in which Villon used the most radical application of his system of constructing space and volumes of pyramidal shapes. This system was based on Villon's reading of Leonardo da Vinci's Treatise on Painting. Here, his method of dividing the composition into geometric segments of various shapes allows the almost seamless merging of the figure and the background. Although the sitter's head and body may still clearly be discerned in the patchwork of shapes, they may equally be read as part and parcel of their surroundings.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.