Venster met gordijnen c. 1895 - 1910

This lithograph of a curtained window by Léon Laroche has a decorative quality which seems very intentional. I'm really struck by the symmetry and composition of the piece. I can imagine the artist thinking through each delicate and elaborate detail. Look at the colour palette, a harmony of blues and pinks. He has taken the time to consider the placement of each fold in the curtain, how the lace hangs to create an ornamental and symmetrical design. I love how he shows the light filtering through the lace. It’s so precise, almost architectural. One can imagine Laroche wanting to construct an image of domesticity that communicates beauty and sophistication. When I look at this, I think about other artists who explore similar themes of home and decoration, like Pierre Bonnard and Édouard Vuillard. Artists are always borrowing and building upon each other's ideas, in a kind of ongoing dialogue across time. The whole thing becomes a site of constant inquiry, and multiple interpretations.