Jeune Fille Cousant Sur Un Canapé c. 1925

Take a moment to imagine yourself within this painting, nestled in a second chair opposite the girl. This is ‘Jeune Fille Cousant Sur Un Canapé’, a title which translates to ‘Young Girl Sewing on a Sofa’. It was created by the French Post-Impressionist Henri Lebasque (1865-1937) around 1925. ️ What might you feel, hear, or smell within this painting? Perhaps you might imagine the soft fabric of the chair, or the sound of the girl humming absent-mindedly as she focuses on her work. You might even associate the scene with a delicate floral smell. Henri Lebasque met the famous Impressionist painters Camille Pissarro (1830-1903) and Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) after moving to Paris in 1886. Can you identify any influences of Impressionism in this work? For me, Lebasque’s use of bold yet complementary colours and blocky brushstrokes feel very Impressionistic. This is especially obvious in the black streaks at the bottom edge of the canvas, which are intended to mimic tassels. The tones of red and pink used in this painting create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. These delightfully vivid colours are striking against the flat grey background. The girl almost seems to blend into the arabesque pattern of the chair. She seems completely absorbed in her task, exuding a sense of serene focus. ‍️ Alongside his friend Henri Matisse (1859-1954), Lebasque founded the Salon d’Automne. This is an annual art exhibition which offers a platform for experimental art and emerging artists to this day. What a great legacy!