Femme cousant 1893

"Femme cousant" (Woman Sewing) is an oil painting by the French artist Maximilien Luce, created in 1893. The painting depicts a woman seated in a domestic setting, engaged in the act of sewing, her face partially obscured by a dark scarf. The composition is characterized by the application of small, vibrant brushstrokes, a technique known as Pointillism. This technique, popularized by the Neo-Impressionist movement, creates a shimmering effect, lending the scene an almost optical illusion. Luce's use of color is particularly striking, with a palette of rich purples, blues, greens, and pinks dominating the scene. The painting is a quintessential example of Luce's signature style, which combined the tenets of Neo-Impressionism with a personal sensibility and a keen eye for capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people.