Édouard Vuillard: The Poetry of Everyday Life

Édouard Vuillard’s paintings transform the quiet corners of daily life into rich, atmospheric worlds. Figures—often women working—seem to dissolve into intricate compositions of striking textiles and wallpaper that are so crammed with detail they almost feel claustrophobic.

As a key member of the Nabis, a group of young painters who sought to infuse art with mystery and emotion, Vuillard explored the expressive potential of colour and composition. But was he successful in doing this? Did he sacrifice subject for decoration?

Vuillard was a shy figure who lived with his mother until the age of 60 and his art reflects this deeply personal, enclosed world. This talk considers explores his life and work and reveals how he captured the poetry of everyday life.