The Beach at Saint-Jacut

1909

Édouard Vuillard

(French, 1868–1940)

Culture

France, 20th century

Medium

distemper on paper, laid down on canvas

Measurements

Image and Sheet: 57.8 x 43.2 cm (22 3/4 x 17 in.); Mounted: 58.7 x 44.3 cm (23 1/8 x 17 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.143

Catalogue raisonné

Salomon and Cogeval VIII-345

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Vuillard created this drawing using distemper, a technique that involves mixing pigment and glue, which he favored at this time for the planes of matte color that resulted.

Description

Édouard Vuillard spent the summer of 1909 in the French coastal town of Saint-Jacut de la Mer, known for its beaches and bathing. Sharing housing with a group of artist friends, Vuillard sketched and painted avidly, depicting the seascape in several works including this drawing. Here, the artist emphasized the remoteness of the beach, depicting a woman sitting alone, wearing a gray dress that matches the tone of the infinitely expanding sky beyond her.