DreamingofFrance

Edouard Vuillard french, 1868–1940

Les Communs at the Château des Clayes

c. 1932 – 38 Pastel and graphite on paper 6¾ x 3 5 ⁄ 8 in. ( 17 . 2 x 9 . 5 cm) Stamped lower right

provenance: Collection Jacques Roussel, son of KX Roussel and nephew of Vuillard.

Vuillard’s close friendship with Lucie and Jos Hessel led him to spend many summers at their country home le Château des Clayes, near Versailles. The Hessels purchased the enormous 19 th century château, in 1926 and provided Vuillard with a studio there. Vuillard took inspiration from the ancient grounds and gardens—designed by André Le Notre in the 17 th century—using it for the background in many of his late paintings. He spent much time recording every corner and view of the estate, including, in this case, a view of the outbuildings—sheds and work rooms for the maintenance of the grounds.