Vendémiaire 1963

Roger Bissière made this intriguing painting, Vendémiaire, using oil paint. The title, Vendémiaire, refers to the first month of the French Revolutionary calendar, a time associated with the grape harvest and celebration of republican values. Looking closely, we see rhythmic lines and shapes that evoke a sense of agrarian life. Bissière was working during a time of great social and political change in France. After World War II, many artists were grappling with questions of national identity and the role of art in society. Bissière's choice of subject matter and abstract style can be seen as a reflection of these concerns. He seemed to be suggesting a return to simpler, more traditional values while also embracing the new possibilities of abstraction. Art historians consult a variety of sources, including exhibition catalogs and artists' letters, to understand the social and institutional contexts in which artworks are created and interpreted. These factors shape our understanding of the artwork's meaning and significance.