Meules (circa 1890)

Welcome to a vivid exploration of Édouard Vuillard's masterful artwork, 'Meules' (circa 1890). This remarkable piece offers a glimpse into Vuillard's unique perspective on rural life and his stylish synthesis of form and color.In 'Meules', Vuillard captures the essence of the countryside with an almost dreamlike quality. The painting features two large haystacks, rendered in robust, reddish-brown tones that dominate the foreground. These haystacks are not just agricultural objects but are presented as monumental, almost sculptural forms. Their massive presence is softened by the textured, colorful strokes that envelop them, suggesting the lushness of the fields and the fleeting quality of the rural landscape.The background of the painting is a tapestry of vibrant colors, with streaks of purple, blue, and white cutting across the sky, evoking the dynamic, ever-changing light of the end of the day. Below the sky, a band of yellow and green illustrates a rich, fertile land, bridging the earthy tones of the haystacks with the ethereal sky.Vuillard, known for his intimate interiors and intricate use of pattern, here applies his keen sense to the broad expanse of nature. Although 'Meules' stands outside the usual scope of his subjects, it carries his trademark attention to texture and pattern. Each stroke contributes to a larger sense of rhythm and movement, making the static scene pulse with life.This painting invites viewers to pause and contemplate the beauty and temporality of the natural world, rendered through a distinctly impressionistic style that foreshadows the modern abstract movements.