The Red Room, Etretat 1899

"The Red Room, Etretat" (1899) by Félix Vallotton depicts a woman in a red room with a child playing at her feet. The painting's stark simplicity and flat planes of color are characteristic of Vallotton's style, known as "Nabis." Vallotton's use of vibrant reds and the deep shadows highlight the sense of stillness and mystery in the room, while the geometric patterns of the tiled fireplace and rug create a sense of order and formality. The painting, currently located in The Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into the interior life of a family at the turn of the century.