Philippe Duboÿ's Study of Jean-Jacques Lequeu Explores an Architect's Visionary Drawings and Modern Relevance
Philippe Duboÿ's 'Jean-Jacques Lequeu. Dessinateur en architecture' delves into the life of 18th-century French architect Jean-Jacques Lequeu, celebrated for his visionary unbuilt designs. This 320-page volume, part of the 'Art et artistes' series from Gallimard, was first published in English in 1986 and translated into French in 1987. Duboÿ, who has studied Lequeu since his doctoral research in the late 1960s, compares him to Antonin Artaud due to his innovative concepts. The book posits that Marcel Duchamp might have admired Lequeu's subversive style. Lequeu's works challenge rationality and contain contradictions, while Duboÿ's narrative mirrors Lequeu's artistic essence. The analysis positions Lequeu as a precursor to later romantic and surrealist movements. The cover image, 'Ce qu'elle voit en songe,' is attributed to the BnF.
Key facts
- Philippe Duboÿ authored 'Jean-Jacques Lequeu. Dessinateur en architecture', published by Gallimard in the 'Art et artistes' series.
- The book is 320 pages long and priced at 26 euros, with its first edition from Thames & Hudson in 1986 and a French translation by Hazan in 1987.
- Jean-Jacques Lequeu was an 18th-century French architect known for unbuilt drawings that combine technical skill with imaginative, subversive elements.
- Duboÿ compares Lequeu to Antonin Artaud, suggesting his work offers visionary insights beyond canonical theoretical projects.
- The study hypothesizes that Marcel Duchamp may have shown interest in Lequeu, though this is not necessary to appreciate the architect's contradictions.
- Lequeu's drawings include exergues, legends, and comments that breach rational architecture, functioning as a formal and theoretical farce.
- Duboÿ's research began with his doctoral thesis in the late 1960s, and his book maintains a personal, non-academic narrative including his early errors.
- The cover image 'Ce qu'elle voit en songe' is sourced from the BnF, département des Estampes et de la photographie.
Entities
Artists
- Jean-Jacques Lequeu
- Philippe Duboÿ
- Antonin Artaud
- Marcel Duchamp
Institutions
- Gallimard
- Thames & Hudson
- Hazan
- BnF, département des Estampes et de la photographie
Locations
- France
Sources
- artpress —