Who painted The Cook (La cuisiniere)?

The Cook (La cuisiniere) was painted by Ambroise Vollard in 1899.

Where can I see The Cook (La cuisiniere)?

The Cook (La cuisiniere) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Cook (La cuisiniere)?

The Cook (La cuisiniere) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Cook (La cuisiniere)?

Museum-quality prints of The Cook (La cuisiniere) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Cook (La cuisiniere)

Ambroise Vollard , 1899

The Cook (La cuisiniere) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Ambroise Vollard. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ambroise Vollard’s 1899 color lithograph titled *The Cook* (La cuisinière) presents a domestic interior rendered on China paper. The composition centers on a woman engaged in kitchen work, surrounded by modest furnishings and a muted palette that emphasizes the quiet routine of everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The figure, dressed in a blue gown with a white apron and cap, is captured in the act of preparing food. The surrounding elements—a brown wall, a white countertop, a patterned cloth, a large pot, and scattered plates—convey a sense of domestic labor and the intimacy of a household setting, reflecting the ordinary yet essential role of the cook.

Technique & Style

Executed as a color lithograph, the work utilizes the fine grain of China paper to achieve delicate tonal variations. Vollard’s handling of line and wash creates subtle gradations of brown and white, while the limited color range reinforces the subdued atmosphere, characteristic of late‑19th‑century printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1899, the lithograph was produced during Vollard’s early career, a period when he was establishing himself as both a dealer and an artist. The print has circulated among private collections and museum holdings, illustrating the broader interest in his graphic work beyond his more widely known role as an art dealer.