Artwork

Interior with Hanging Lamp (Interieur à la suspension)

Interior with Hanging Lamp (Interieur à la suspension), by Édouard Vuillard, ink, 1899
Interior with Hanging Lamp (Interieur à la suspension), by Édouard Vuillard, ink, 1899

Interior with Hanging Lamp (Interieur à la suspension) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Édouard Vuillard. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Édouard Vuillard’s 1899 work *Interior with Hanging Lamp* is a color lithograph executed on China paper. The image presents a modest, dimly lit interior where a suspended lamp hangs without illuminating the space. A yellow curtain frames a window that offers only vague outlines of an urban scene beyond, while a small red object rests on a nearby shelf.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a quiet domestic setting, a recurring theme in Vuillard’s 1890s output. By emphasizing the muted atmosphere and the presence of everyday objects, the print conveys a sense of interior intimacy and the subtle tension between the private interior and the hinted exterior world beyond the window.

Technique & Style

Created with color lithography, the work relies on uneven, sketchy lines and layered washes of green, yellow, and red that appear hastily applied. The flat planes of color and decorative patterning reflect the influence of Japanese prints and the aesthetic priorities of the Nabis, focusing on the visual impression of a scene rather than precise detail.

History & Provenance

Vuillard produced this lithograph during his decade-long involvement with the avant‑garde group Les Nabis, a period marked by experimentation with print media and decorative design. The piece exemplifies his shift toward graphic reproduction, aligning with the group’s interest in merging fine art and applied arts.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Édouard Vuillard

Artist

Édouard Vuillard

Jean-Édouard Vuillard (French: ; 11 November 1868 – 21 June 1940) was a French painter, decorative artist, and printmaker.

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