Artwork
Grands Chasseurs--Le Cerf est prêt
Grands Chasseurs--Le Cerf est prêt is a graphite drawing by Félix Vallotton. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Grands Chasseurs--Le Cerf est prêt is a 1903 drawing by Félix Vallotton, executed in black crayon and brush over graphite on wove paper. Characterized by bold lines and restrained shading, the work exemplifies Vallotton's later style, marked by simplicity and realism.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two skeleton-like figures in striped shirts, one aiming a rifle at a leaping deer outside a window, with a dog and faint landscape elements. The inclusion of French text at the top and bottom introduces a layer of playfulness or irony, contrasting with the otherwise somber, skull-faced hunters.
Technique & Style
Vallotton employs bold black lines and nuanced shading to delineate light and dark areas, showcasing his mastery of chiaroscuro. This approach reflects his evolution towards a simpler, more realistic aesthetic, influenced by his association with Les Nabis.
History & Provenance
Created in 1903, the drawing postdates Vallotton's pivotal 1890s period with Les Nabis, during which he transitioned from influences like Holbein and Ingres to a more restrained technique. Provenance details are not specified.
Context
Within Vallotton's oeuvre, Grands Chasseurs--Le Cerf est prêt sits alongside a diverse range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes, all treated with his characteristic realism and emotional detachment.
Legacy
This work contributes to Vallotton's legacy as a versatile artist who effectively bridged late 19th-century movements with a distinctive, sharp, and stylized visual language, as seen in his broader body of paintings and prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
