Artwork
Meeting of Women
Meeting of Women is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Ker-Xavier Roussel. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
Ker‑Xavier Roussel’s 1897 oil on canvas titled *Meeting of Women* portrays a leisurely gathering of several women in an open park setting. The composition is anchored by stone benches and a backdrop of trees tinged with orange foliage beneath a clear blue sky. The work is part of the collection at the Norton Simon Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a moment of informal social interaction, with the women dressed in long, brightly colored garments. Their relaxed postures—standing, seated, and gesturing—suggest conversation and mutual enjoyment, reflecting themes of camaraderie and the everyday pleasures of outdoor leisure in the late nineteenth century.
Technique & Style
Roussel employs a balanced palette, contrasting the subdued, earthy tones of the stone benches with the vivid hues of the dresses. His brushwork delineates the foliage and sky with a soft, atmospheric quality, while the figures are rendered with enough detail to convey individual presence without disrupting the overall harmony of the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1897, the painting entered the public domain through acquisition by the Norton Simon Museum, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s late‑19th‑century output, reflecting Roussel’s interest in genre scenes that celebrate contemporary social life.
Artist & collection
