The Fireplace 1901

Vuillard conjures a moment of interiority in this painting of a fireplace, using oil on canvas, probably at the turn of the century. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the paint is applied in these soft, feathery strokes, kinda like dabs of memory. There’s something about the way Vuillard builds up the surface, with layers that feel both intentional and accidental, that makes me think about the process of remembering itself. I’m drawn to that dark patch on the left – is it a person, a chair, or just a shadow? I love how it remains ambiguous, pulling me into the scene while keeping me at a distance. It reminds me of Bonnard’s interiors, where figures and objects blend into a tapestry of color and light. Ultimately, this painting isn’t about the thingness of the fireplace itself, but more about the mood, and the way art invites us to linger in the in-between spaces of our own experience.