Who painted Madame V. Sleeping?

Madame V. Sleeping was painted by Édouard Vuillard in 1892.

Where can I see Madame V. Sleeping?

Madame V. Sleeping is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Madame V. Sleeping?

Madame V. Sleeping is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Madame V. Sleeping

Édouard Vuillard , 1892

Madame V. Sleeping is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Édouard Vuillard. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1892, *Madame V.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1892, *Madame V. Sleeping* is a modestly sized drawing executed in brush and black ink. The work presents a solitary woman lying down with her eyes closed, rendered in a restrained palette that emphasizes line and form over detail. Its quiet composition invites the viewer into a moment of private repose.

Subject & Meaning

The figure occupies a simple interior space, her relaxed posture and softened facial expression conveying a sense of calm and intimacy. By isolating the sleeping subject, the artist foregrounds the tranquility of everyday life, suggesting a contemplative pause within the domestic sphere.

Technique & Style

Vuillard employs bold, flowing brushwork combined with delicate cross‑hatching to define the woman's silhouette and suggest subtle shading. The monochrome ink medium allows the artist to explore the interplay of light and shadow through line density, creating depth without relying on color.

Context

At the time of its creation Vuillard was a member of Les Nabis, a post‑Impressionist group that drew inspiration from Japanese woodcuts and emphasized flattened planes of pure color. While this drawing remains in black ink, its compositional balance and emphasis on pattern echo the Nabis' interest in decorative harmony and spatial simplification.

History & Provenance

The drawing is attributed to Jean‑Édouard Vuillard, a French painter known for his decorative interiors and printmaking. Its early ownership records are limited, but it is documented as part of the artist’s output from the early 1890s, a period marked by his exploration of intimate domestic scenes.