Le Pétunia 1889 - 1890

Édouard Vuillard created "Le Pétunia" using oil on cardboard, a humble material that democratized painting. Vuillard's choice to work on cardboard speaks volumes. In the late 19th century, materials like canvas were becoming increasingly standardized through industrial production. Yet, cardboard, often discarded, was a cost-effective alternative that allowed artists from varied backgrounds to engage with painting. The texture of the cardboard support peeks through the thin layers of oil paint, reminding us of its origins as a mass-produced product, perhaps packaging for consumer goods. Vuillard transforms this mundane material into a surface for artistic expression. The layering of oil paint is visible, showing us the labor and time involved in building the image. By embracing such a commonplace material, Vuillard challenges traditional distinctions between high art and everyday life, prompting us to consider the social and economic contexts of artistic creation.