Artwork

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants)

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants), by Édouard Vuillard, ink, 1897
Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants), by Édouard Vuillard, ink, 1897

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Édouard Vuillard. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) is a 1897 color lithograph on China paper by Edouard Vuillard, capturing a vibrant outdoor scene of children at play.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a sunlit field where children engage in lively activities under a prominent yellow umbrella, contrasting with serene distant figures strolling along a fenced path, emphasizing the joy and energy of childhood.

Technique & Style

Vuillard employs loose, sketchy lines and soft, flattened color planes, prioritizing the capture of light and movement over detailed rendering, reflecting his Nabi period's influence from Japanese aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created during Vuillard's affiliation with the avant-garde Les Nabis (1891-1900), this work exemplifies his experimental approach with color lithography during this period.

Context

Reflecting late 19th-century artistic trends, the piece combines the intimacy of domestic interior themes (common in Vuillard's work) with an outdoor setting, blending European and Japanese stylistic influences.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'Children's Pastime' are not highlighted, it contributes to Vuillard's broader impact on early 20th-century printmaking and the evolution of modern European art.

The Tuileries Garden (Le jardin des Tuileries)
The Tuileries Garden (Le jardin des Tuileries), Édouard Vuillard

Artist & collection

Portrait of Édouard Vuillard

Artist

Édouard Vuillard

Jean-Édouard Vuillard (French:; 11 November 1868 – 21 June 1940) was a French painter, decorative artist, and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants)?

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) was painted by Édouard Vuillard in 1897.

Where can I see Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants)?

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants)?

Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants)?

Museum-quality prints of Children's Pastime (Jeux d'enfants) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.