Public Gardens 1894

Édouard Vuillard created this three-part painting, "Public Gardens," with oil on canvas, sometime in the late 19th century. Vuillard was a member of the Nabis, a group of Post-Impressionist avant-garde artists who aimed to expand the definition of fine art to include decoration. We can view "Public Gardens" as a commentary on the rapidly changing social structures in France at the time. With its decorative qualities and subject matter depicting bourgeois leisure, the artwork reflects the values and interests of the upper classes. It also reflects a growing interest in public spaces as places for social interaction and recreation. The composition creates meaning through its arrangement of figures within the three panels, suggesting different groups and activities within the garden setting. To fully understand the social and cultural context of this work, we would need to consider the history of public parks and gardens in France, the changing role of women in society, and the art market and patronage systems of the time. With further research, we would gain a deeper understanding of Vuillard's artistic choices and their relationship to the broader social and political context.