Monsieur Bute; L’amant De Sa Femme; La Belle Opération 1890

Édouard Vuillard created this lithograph poster for the Théâtre Libre. Its composition immediately draws us into a peculiar scene dominated by a figure bent over in what appears to be a garden. The limited palette of pale greens, yellows, and browns evokes a sense of earthy intimacy. Vuillard's use of simplified forms and flattened perspective disrupts traditional notions of depth and space. The figure's posture, obscured face, and the ambiguous object he interacts with invite questions rather than answers. Here, Vuillard captures the symbolist movement's interest in the psychological depth of human experience rather than straightforward representation. The overall effect of the lithograph lies in its ability to destabilize conventional storytelling, prompting viewers to contemplate the hidden narratives and unspoken dramas of modern life. Note how the artist deliberately leaves space for interpretation.