Artwork

Intérieur avec femme en rouge de dos

Intérieur avec femme en rouge de dos, by Félix Vallotton, oil, 1903
Intérieur avec femme en rouge de dos, by Félix Vallotton, oil, 1903

Intérieur avec femme en rouge de dos is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Félix Vallotton. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Félix Vallotton’s 1903 oil on canvas, titled *Intérieur avec femme en rouge de dos*, portrays a domestic interior observed from a rear perspective. The composition centers on a woman in a vivid red dress, her hair gathered, standing in a doorway that frames a modest bedroom furnished with a bed, a dresser, a chair, curtains, and a rug. The scene conveys a quiet, intimate atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of private contemplation, as the figure, seen from behind, appears to be pausing before entering the room. The contrast between the deep red garment and the muted yellow walls emphasizes her presence while suggesting a subtle tension between the public space of the doorway and the personal space of the bedroom.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, Vallotton employs a restrained palette, allowing the red dress to dominate the visual field. The brushwork is smooth, rendering the furnishings with clear outlines and minimal textural detail, characteristic of his precise, almost graphic approach. Light falls softly on the walls, creating a gentle chiaroscuro that enhances the sense of stillness.

History & Provenance

Created in 1903, the painting entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing early twentieth‑century French painting and the artist’s role within the broader Symbolist and Nabi movements.

Context

Vallotone painted this piece during a period when he explored interior scenes and the psychological nuances of everyday life. The composition aligns with contemporary interests in domesticity and the subtle narratives that unfold within private spaces, echoing similar investigations by his peers in the post‑Impressionist era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Félix Vallotton

Artist

Félix Vallotton

Félix Édouard Vallotton (French: ; December 28, 1865 – December 29, 1925) was a Swiss and French painter and printmaker associated with the group of artists known as Les Nabis.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.