Vuillard and patterns

"Interior, Mother and Sister of the Artist", Edouard Vuillard

The use of pattern in Vuillard's painting shows the influence of industrially manufactured textiles on modern life. The patterns create a confusing composition in which the sister seems to blend into the wall. This element closely resembles the work of Gustave Klimt.

"The Sunflower", Gustav Klimt

Klimt painted this work in 1909, only 16 years after Vuillard painted "Interior, Mother and Sister of the Artist". Both use a speckled background and a main subject that seems to blend into the background.

"Adele Bloch-Bauer I", Gustave Klimt

"Adele Bloch-Bauer I" resembles Vuillard's piece in the way that the figures clothing blends into the background.


Artists have begun to use patterns to their art again. Interestingly, they tend to use wall paper patterns. I think this is to comment on domesticity and suburban living, but the style most definitely comes from the early artists such as Vuillard. Below is an example of such works.

If interested, one can find more of this artist's work here.
Another very interesting example of use of wallpaper design may be found here.