Getting Ready for a Visit, plate eight from Intimacies 1898

Félix Vallotton made this woodcut, 'Getting Ready for a Visit', one of ten prints in a series called 'Intimacies'. The series illustrates the emotional and erotic life of middle-class couples in France during the 1890s. It was a time when traditional social structures and gender roles were being questioned. Artists like Vallotton challenged existing social norms by portraying intimate relationships with a critical eye. Vallotton used the stark contrast of black and white to create dramatic tension and psychological depth, reflecting the anxieties and complexities of modern life. The intimate settings and suggestive poses invite viewers to question the social conventions and moral values of the time. To fully understand the impact of this artwork, it’s worth exploring the visual language and cultural references of 1890s France. You might also look at the history of printmaking, the rise of the art market, and the role of institutions in shaping artistic taste.