Gaby in a Chaise Longue 1906

Jacques Villon created "Gaby in a Chaise Longue" using etching. Notice how the network of fine lines constructs the forms of Gaby and her surroundings. The etching technique allows Villon to build depth and shadow through the density and direction of these lines. See how the chaise lounge, with its sweeping curves and angular supports, is rendered with a mix of precision and spontaneity. Villon’s approach, rooted in a Cubist sensibility, breaks down the conventional boundaries between figure and ground. The etching uses lines and angles to explore a multi-dimensional representation of space. The interplay between positive and negative space contributes to the print’s dynamic composition. The light palette enhances the sense of transience. Villon invites us to consider how line and form can both define and dissolve the solidity of objects, challenging our perceptions of reality.