Lucy Hessel 1912

Édouard Vuillard made this painting of Lucy Hessel, probably in his studio, with oil paint on cardboard. It's a symphony of muted tones, where browns and grays mix with the softest pinks, almost like a watercolor but with more body. Look closely, and you can see how Vuillard built up the image through layers. He scumbled the paint, dragging it dryly across the surface, creating a gorgeous texture, especially in the background. The overall effect is almost hazy, softening the edges and blurring the details of her features. There’s a palpable sense of intimacy, where the artist captures not just her likeness, but a feeling, an essence. Notice the small flecks of white in her hair and on her shoulder, they create a subtle contrast with the darker tones, giving the painting a sense of light and depth. Vuillard’s work reminds me a lot of Bonnard, both in their domestic subject matter and their dreamy, atmospheric painting style. They show us that paintings don’t have to shout; they can whisper, suggest, and invite us into a world of quiet contemplation.