Portrait of Suzanne Desprès

Before you is Portrait of Suzanne Després, a captivating 1908 painting by Édouard Vuillard. This intimate portrait, measuring 62.3 centimeters wide and 50.8 centimeters high, is part of the esteemed collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen. nn The painting presents Suzanne Després from the chest up, seated and subtly angled to her left. Her gaze is directed slightly downward and to the viewer's left, creating a sense of quiet contemplation. She is dressed in a light-colored, possibly white or off-white, high-necked blouse or dress, its delicate texture hinting at lace. A dark green or teal jewel catches the light at her neckline, a small but striking detail. Her dark, slightly tousled updo reveals hints of reddish-brown tones. nn The background is a rich, textured ochre or gold-brown, painted with visible, expressive brushstrokes that add depth and movement to the composition. The uneven application of color, with variations in tone and lighter areas, suggests a soft, diffused light source. This loose brushwork, characteristic of Impressionistic and Post-Impressionistic styles, avoids sharp lines and details, contributing to the painting's gentle and subdued mood. The overall palette is muted, dominated by earth tones, beautifully punctuated by the subtle colors of Suzanne's hair and the jewel. The effect is one of quiet elegance and understated beauty.