Cooking; The Cook 1934

Édouard Vuillard rendered 'Cooking; The Cook' in 1894, using lithography on paper. The piece comes from a series depicting intimate interiors and everyday life scenes, which reflect the values of the artist’s avant-garde group "Les Nabis." Vuillard’s artistic circle challenged the rigid academic art of the time, opting instead to explore personal and decorative expression. “We wanted to get away from naturalism,” Vuillard said, signaling their shift away from traditional representation. Here, the sketch captures a cook in a domestic setting; a woman is seen from behind, diligently working in a humble kitchen. Striking in its intimate portrayal of domestic labor, the artwork invites us to reflect on the often unseen and uncelebrated work performed by women, particularly those in service roles. With this poignant portrayal, Vuillard elevates the quiet dignity of the cook’s daily tasks, prompting us to consider the value and social implications of domestic labor.