Puits en Provence 1943

Roger Vieillard made this print, Puits en Provence, using etching, and its monochrome scheme is so interesting. There’s a real depth created by the layering of the marks. You can see that he's built up the image from a collection of lines. I’m thinking about the way that the sky is depicted, with all these tiny dots and dashes. These aren’t just marks representing stars, they also create a sense of atmosphere through texture. Notice, also, how the architecture of the well itself is also formed of lines. Look at the way the lines interact to create a sense of form. Vieillard’s prints remind me a little of Piranesi's architectural prints. Both artists use line to create an atmosphere of architectural grandeur. But where Piranesi is dramatic and theatrical, Vieillard is subtle, evoking a sense of place and quiet contemplation. Art is such an interesting conversation.