Femmes
d’Ouessant (original
French title)
Aquatint with touches of drypoint printed in color à la
poupée on simili-japon paper.
Reference: Ginestet et Pouillon 81.
Second state of three. Eighteen impressions in this state,
before the final edition of 50 in the third.
In the second state, the end of daylight makes for a
somewhat gloomy and ominous ambiance. In the final state, Villon brightened the
color palette to be more highly contrasted for a daytime mood. While both color
schemes have their strength, this one makes the composition more muted. It does
however fit the scene more aptly. Three generations of fisherwomen are awaiting
the return of the men. While the grandmother in the foreground seems stoic,
used to the wait, or resigned to the possibility of loss of life, the young
mother seems to squint, expectantly, hoping for a safe return. The girls have
been dressed up, perhaps for Sunday mass, or simply to celebrate the return of
their father. No matter the outcome, Villon chose to symbolize the harsh nature
of this life with sharp-edged thistles in the foreground taking up nearly a
quarter of the composition.
Signed, dated, and numbered in pencil.
Plate: 10 ¾ x 14
¾ inches.
