La Pedicure

This is a very rare early proof etching by Jacques Villon titled "La Pedicure". The image size is 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 inches; this print was published in 1907 in an edition of 50, although this is an early state before the published edition. It is pencil signed and notated "Essai" which translates as "test" or "trial". This image is very richly inked with beautiful plate tone and has several of the artist's fingerprints in black ink around the edges of the sheet, all away from the image. This is a truly remarkable early state etching by a very important 20th century artist and would make an excellent addition to any serious collection.