JACQUES
VILLONDamville (Normandy) 1875 - 1963 Puteaux
Nevers à Paris or Le Fetard, 1904
Nevers in Paris or The Celebrant
Drypoint and color aquatint with watercolor added by the hand of the artist
348 x 457 mm.; 13 1/2 x 17 13/16 inches
Signed, lower right
Reference:
Ginestet & Pouillon E. 95 III/III
Notes:
1. A superb and rare trial proof of this work, one of Villon’s greatest color aquatints. In a very different suite of colors than the final state (which was printed above all in blacks and
yellowish and reddish browns). The watercolor added by the artist includes the red lapel. With colors very fresh and in excellent condition.
2. The city of Nevers is considered by the French to be the archetype of the typical French provincial city. Therefore, Villon’s title of Nevers à Paris refers to a provincial gentleman coming to Paris and spending his money on having a good time. In this case, Villon’s
second title, Le Fétard, indicates a provincial bureaucrat of some sort. Such government officials were thought to be notoriously rich from monies received under the table in their province. Since it would be embarrassing to spend all that money locally in a given provin- cial town, those officials, such as the gentleman here depicted, often spent that money
enjoying themselves in Paris.