La Patisserie from Paysages et Interieurs, 1899 by Jean-Édouard Vuillard; Lithograph in colors on Chine; From the edition of 100 with margins; Size: 14" x 10 5/8"; Sheet 15 3/8" x 11 7/8" Catalogue Raissone: R.-M. 41; Unframed.
"Conceive of a picture really as a series of harmonies." - Jean-Édouard Vuillard
Jean-Édouard Vuillard (1868 – 1940) was a French painter and print maker associated with the Nabis; a group of Post-Impressionist avant-garde artists who, in the 1890's, led the fine art movement in France. An early turning point in the career of Vuillard occurred when, on the advice of his closest friend Roussel, he refused a military career and instead joined Roussel in the studio of painter Diogène Maillart.
By 1890, the year in which Vuillard met Pierre Bonnard and Paul Sérusier, he had joined the Nabis; a group of art students inspired by the synthetism of Gauguin. Vuillard contributed to their exhibitions at the Gallery of Le Barc de Boutteville, and later shared a studio with Bonnard and Maurice Denis. Soon Vuillard met brothers Alexandre and Thadée Natanson who were the
founders of "La Revue Blanche," a well known cultural review. Vuillardʹs
printed graphics began to appear in the journal, along with those of
Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Félix Vallotton, and many
other famous artists of the time. In Vuillard's paintings and decorative pieces, he depicted mostly
interiors, streets, and gardens. In 1898 he began to travel extensively, always looking for inspiration. He visited Venice and Florence; quickly followed by London, Milan, Venice, and Spain.
As photography began to rise in popularity, engraving had to be adapted to go beyond simple reproduction of artworks, and instead focus on creativity and originality. The advent of color lithography also affected the arts and Vuillard, in 1893, began working with the medium. His first works were several illustrations for books and theater programs. Six years later, Vuillard produced a beautiful suite of color lithographs entitled "Landscape and Interiors," that was published by a famous art dealer Ambroise Vollard.
This work, "La Patisserie" (The Pastry Shop) is from the famous 1899 Ambroise Vollard suite "Paysages et Interieurs" (Landscape and Interiors), with an edition size of 100 and containing twelve lithographs with a lithographed cover. "La Patisserie" is an excellent example of Vuillard at his best and the image depicts the inside of the Patisserie (the letters of "tisserie" can be seen on the sign on the top left hand side of the work). Various cafe tables are occupied by well dressed patrons enjoying food and drink; and there is a serving table balancing the composition to the left. The construction of the work is accomplished by using intricate patterns that are linked by strong forms and balancing structure. "La Patisserie" is regarded as one of the finest graphic works ever created by Vuillard and it is in the permanent collections of Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Van Gogh Museum, and many other major worldwide museums. A rare and important work, perfect for any fine art collection.
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