Artwork
L'Averse (The Shower)
L'Averse (The Shower) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix Vallotton. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
L'Averse (The Shower) is a 1894 lithograph on yellow wove paper by Swiss-French artist Félix Vallotton, showcasing his characteristic realistic style with broad forms and sharp contours.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a late 19th-century rainy street scene with figures in dark attire seeking shelter. A central couple struggles with an umbrella, capturing a moment of everyday life amidst the elements.
Technique & Style
Vallotton employed lithography to convey dynamic movement and energy. The dark tones of the scene contrast subtly with the yellow paper, enhancing the overall visual impact.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, L'Averse reflects Vallotton's contribution to the modern woodcut and his rise to international recognition during the 1890s with simplified, realistic compositions.
Context
Part of Vallotton's diverse output including portraits, landscapes, and nudes, this work aligns with his aesthetic of flat color areas and sharp contours, characteristic of his association with Les Nabis.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of L'Averse are not highlighted, Vallotton's overall body of work, including this piece, contributed to the evolution of printmaking techniques and the Nabi movement's influence on early 20th-century art.
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.
Les Chanteurs (The Singers)
L'Accident (The Accident)
Au Violon (Off to the Jug)
The Protest
La fête de village (Village Festival)
Sagot
Le Retour des Artistes
Artists Returning from the Salon
Le retour des artistes (The Return of the Artists)
At the Prado (Au Prado)
La Manifestation (The Demonstration)
Frontispiece from "Paris Intense"