Drie vrouwen aan de waterkant 1920 - 1935

Ker Xavier Roussel made this image of three women at the waterside using lithography. I can see the work that’s gone into building up these tones, they're not quite soft and hazy but there is a definite sense of atmosphere. Looking at the details, the marks around the edge of the pool are quite striking. They're not quite hatching, but not amorphous either, you can sense the artist trying to figure out a way of representing the reflections, light and movement that water contains. It’s a challenge for any artist and you can see Roussel really thinking his way through it. It reminds me of Vuillard, who worked with Roussel, both artists clearly shared an interest in the everyday, and explored the quiet corners of modern life through a muted palette. Ultimately, it’s these kinds of intimate details, the evidence of the artist's hand and mind at work that makes a piece so compelling.