Madame Hessel au Sofa (Madame Hessel on the Sofa)

Lucie Hessel was the wife of Vuillard's picture dealer. Vuillard visited her apartment frequently, attracted by her company and the collection of contemporary art. The paintings seen here are by Cézanne, Renoir, Lautren and Vuillard himself. Vuillard has painted her in the informal, relaxed pose of a friend, highlighting her smiling features. Even though it is a finished painting its sketchy handling gives it an air of spontaneity. The painting also shows Vuillard's interest in patterning - of upholstery, cushions, canvases against a wall and fashionable clothes - a fascination which was a constant theme throughout his many intimate, domestic interiors.