#37682 Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

The drawing presents a reclining female figure within a complex arrangement of patterned textiles and decorative elements. The composition is rendered in stark black and white, emphasizing contrasts and creating a graphic quality. Here we see the woman sprawled languidly across what appears to be a bed or divan, her posture suggesting relaxation and indulgence. Her hair cascades around her head, obscuring much of her face and contributing to an air of mystery.
The background is dominated by a series of geometric and organic patterns. A checkerboard motif occupies a significant portion of the space, juxtaposed with areas featuring stylized floral designs and undulating lines. These patterns do not appear to be merely decorative; they seem to actively contribute to the overall mood and meaning. The dense layering creates a sense of enclosure and opulence, potentially symbolizing comfort or even entrapment.
The inscription La Paresse (French for “Sloth” or “Idleness”) at the bottom edge provides a crucial contextual key. It suggests that the scene is not simply about repose but rather explores themes of inactivity, indulgence, and perhaps even decadence. The woman’s posture, combined with the luxurious setting and the title, implies a deliberate embrace of leisure, possibly to an excessive degree.
The artists use of line work is noteworthy. Bold, decisive strokes define the figure and patterns, creating a sense of dynamism despite the overall stillness of the scene. There is a certain flattening of perspective; depth is suggested through overlapping elements rather than realistic spatial rendering. This stylistic choice contributes to the drawing’s decorative quality and reinforces its focus on surface pattern and symbolic content.
The work seems to be an exploration of societal attitudes towards leisure, femininity, and perhaps even moral responsibility. The combination of sensuality and inactivity invites contemplation about the potential consequences of unchecked indulgence.