Estimate and odd: Jacques Villeglé (1926–2022) 

A pioneer of torn posters 

Born in Quimper in 1926, Jacques Villeglé established himself as one of the major figures in French contemporary art. From the late 1940s onwards, he roamed the streets of Paris with his friend Raymond Hains in search of torn posters, overlapping billboards and fragments of wallpaper. He developed an approach he called ‘décollage’ or ‘laceration,’ turning the street into his studio, chance into his material, and urban fragments into works of art. In 1960, he joined the New Realist movement alongside artists such as Arman, Yves Klein, and Niki de Saint Phalle.

A body of work between urban memory and materiality  

Villeglé's work is based on the appropriation of the visual traces of the city: advertising posters, graffiti, typography, image detours, printing accidents. By collecting these lacerated posters that he detaches from walls, he opens up a dialectic: the urban surface / the membrane of the billboard. He often transposes them onto canvas or panels, preserving the folds, streaks, overlaps and tears as layers of memory. Thus, the image, uprooted from its original context, becomes a visual field charged with collective meaning, combining visual anthropology, urbanism and plastic art. 

How can you recognise a work by Jacques Villeglé? 

A signature in the bottom right-hand corner, sometimes discreet or absent, a title that is often geographical or dated, the use of torn posters mounted on canvas or panels. The format may vary, but the style always refers to urban fragments: tattered typography, superimposed posters, traces of glue or cloth. Works from the 1950s to 1970s, when he tore posters directly from the streets of Paris, are particularly sought after. In his later period, he also explored ‘socio-political alphabets’, stencils or letter stamps as a visual and political game.  

Recognition and exhibitions  

Since his first exhibitions in Paris in the 1950s, Villeglé has been exhibited around the world and features in numerous public collections. His work is considered an essential milestone in 20th-century art, combining social criticism and artistic experimentation. He has been the subject of monographic exhibitions and numerous publications devoted to his method of torn posters and his ‘lacetages’ (lace-like patterns). 

Estimates and odds 

 Villeglé's most sought-after works are those from the 1950s and 1960s, produced at the end of his career, in excellent condition and with verifiable provenance. Large formats or works in major collections may exceed the above ranges.  

Selling a work by Jacques Villeglé at auction 

Our specialists in the Post-war & Contemporary Art department assist collectors and enthusiasts with the sale, appraisal and valuation of works by Jacques Villeglé. They travel throughout France and Europe in collaboration with our regional representative offices to provide valuations and appraisals of your works.  

Prior to an appointment, you can also submit your valuation request along with a description, photos and any available documents relating to your property using the online form, or directly by email to our specialist.  

Aguttes' Post-war & Contemporary Art department organises several sales a year dedicated to major modern and contemporary artists: Soulages, Hartung, Zao Wou-Ki, Chu Teh-Chun, Kuroda, Alonso, Piffaretti, Verdier, Villeglé and many others.  

 Contact our expert today for a free valuation of your Jacques Villeglé artwork and benefit from personalised support right up to the auction.