Across the Fields, plate three from Landscapes and Interiors (1899)

"Across the Fields," a remarkable work by Édouard Vuillard from his series Landscapes and Interiors created in 1899, showcases the artist's unique vision and talent in capturing the essence of pastoral life through the medium of printmaking. This piece, the third plate of the series, illustrates a serene vista of a countryside enriched with vivid, textural layers of color and dynamic, sketched forms.In the foreground, several figures are positioned throughout a field brimming with vibrant wildflowers and grass, each donned in period attire that reflects the fashion of the late 19th century. The central group moves through the landscape, hinting at a narrative of rural excursion or communal gathering. Above and beyond these figures, the scene opens up to sweeping fields that recede to a dramatic expanse of sky. The marked divisions in the sky suggest clouds or the rays of the sun breaking through, further enhancing the emotional depth of the scene.Vuillard, known for his intimate depictions of interior scenes, here applies his keen eye to the broader landscape, integrating human figures with their environment in a harmoniously composed natural setting. The use of color block technique not only emphasizes the flatness and decorative quality typical of the Nabis group, to which Vuillard belonged, but also creates a rhythmic, almost musical quality to the landscape, portraying the peace and rhythm of rural life.This beautiful image invites viewers to contemplate the tranquility and beauty of nature, juxtaposed with human interaction, in a composition that is as poetic as it is visually engaging.