Vieillard, Roger (French, 1907-1989). PAYSAGES DE FRANCE. Chez Jeanne Bucher, Paris, 1943. Number 39 of the Edition of 75 signed numbered sets. Folio-sized portfolio with label and string ties, Title sheet and Table of Contents, Justification sheet signed in pencil and numbered 39, and nine engravings (gravures au burin) by Vieillard, each iniitialed in pencil and numbered "39 75." The engravings are of various sizes on 18 x 11 inch sheets. With a pre-zipcode label of Wittenborn Art Books on the portfolio. In very good condition.Vieillard was born in France in 1907, studied literature and law at the Sorbonne, played tennis at a high competitive level internationally. During military service as a meteorologist in Morocco he began sketching and thought of a career as an artist. Impressed by Calder's wire sculpture, he began to make sculptures in 1930. In 1934, while working as a Bank executive, he met Hayter, who introduced him to engraving and invited him to work at Atelier 17. He formed his own press with Georges Lecoq-Vallon in 1939 where he published numerous illustrated books. He was married to the American painter Anita De Caro, who was also affiliated with Atelier 17. After WWII, and until his death he continued to make prints, producing over 600 between 1934 and 1989. This early portfolio is modernist in feeling and precisionist in style, showing hints of his later style which was surreal in feeling and precisionist in style.
