Landscape of the Ile-de-France by Vuillard, Edouard

Vuillard, Edouard · c. 1894

Édouard Vuillard's *Landscape of the Ile-de-France* (c. 1894), an oil on cardboard at a private collection, shows the bold and decorative style of the artist's early period.

Vuillard was a member of Les Nabis, an avant-garde group active in the late 19th century. They emphasized assembling distinct areas of pure color and exploring the spatial effects of flattened planes, departing from traditional naturalism. Look closely at the fields and sky, where thick, visible brushstrokes create texture and life.

The artist's technique, influenced by Japanese prints, allowed him to capture light and atmosphere with loose, immediate application of paint. This decorative approach to form is evident in the vibrant colors and simplified shapes seen throughout the landscape.

It’s fascinating to see how the Nabis explored new ways of seeing and painting the world, isn't it?

Details

Notice the thick brushstrokes that give it texture.

The sky is also assembled from distinct color planes.

He captures light and atmosphere with bold, loose paint.

Transcript

This painter was part of a group called Les Nabis. They focused on areas of pure color, like these fields. Notice the thick brushstrokes that give it texture. The sky is also assembled from distinct color planes. This flattened style was influenced by Japanese prints. He captures light and atmosphere with bold, loose paint.