vuillard the blue vase c1930 Edouard Vuillard (1868-1940)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around floral elements and reflective surfaces. A prominent blue vase dominates the foreground, its form rendered with broad brushstrokes that emphasize volume and texture. The vase is filled with a cluster of wildflowers – a mix of yellow, white, and hints of purple – their stems extending upwards in an organic tangle. Two additional vases are visible behind the central one, partially obscured by the floral display and receding into the background.
The color palette is notably warm, dominated by shades of gold and ochre that bathe the scene in a soft, diffused light. This golden hue permeates the backdrop, creating a sense of enclosure and intimacy. A dark vertical element on the right side acts as a visual anchor, contrasting with the luminosity of the rest of the composition. It appears to be a shadowed wall or architectural feature, further defining the space.
Reflections play a crucial role in the work’s construction. The surface upon which the vases sit is rendered as a glossy plane, mirroring the forms above and contributing to an overall sense of depth. A fragmented reflection of what seems to be another object – perhaps a piece of furniture or another vase – is visible on this reflective surface, adding layers of visual complexity.
The artist’s technique suggests a focus on capturing fleeting moments of light and color rather than precise detail. The brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to an impressionistic quality. This approach lends the scene a sense of immediacy and evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of domesticity – a glimpse into a private interior space. The wildflowers, seemingly plucked from a garden, introduce a touch of nature indoors. The arrangement feels less like a formal display and more like an impromptu gathering of objects, hinting at a personal narrative or memory associated with the scene. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and gentle melancholy.