The Discussion 1899

Édouard Vuillard made this small painting, The Discussion, in France, at a time when art was increasingly grappling with the realities of modern life. Vuillard was a member of the Nabis, a group of artists who sought to break down the traditional hierarchies between the fine and decorative arts. Here, the scene is intimate and domestic, featuring a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a serious conversation, perhaps in a gallery. The composition is flattened and the colors muted, which serves to emphasize the psychological tension between the figures. Notice the contrast between the man’s light suit and the women’s dark dresses, which creates a sense of unease. The scene might be read as a critique of bourgeois society. Art historians often look at the artist's personal life and the socio-political context in which they were working, to better understand the meaning and significance of their work. Vuillard's art encourages us to examine the power dynamics and social structures that shape our own lives.