Cityscape from a Balcony

This etching, created by Jean-Édouard Vuillard, offers an intimate view of a Parisian cityscape from a balcony. With finely detailed lines, Vuillard captures the architectural elegance of the surrounding buildings and the lushness of the trees below. The perspective invites the viewer into the scene, as though standing on the balcony and observing the quiet rhythm of city life. The monochromatic palette allows the delicate linework to convey both texture and depth, creating a tranquil yet dynamic portrayal of urban life.

Jean-Édouard Vuillard (Cuiseaux, 11 November 1868 — La Baule-Escoublac, 21 June 1940) was a French painter and illustrator, associated with the Les Nabis group. Vuillard moved to Paris with his family in 1878 under modest circumstances. After his father's death in 1884, he received a scholarship to continue his education. It was during his time at Lycée Condorcet that he met Ker-Xavier Roussel, a future painter and his brother-in-law, who advised him to abandon a military career. Vuillard then joined the École des Beaux-Arts, where he met Pierre Bonnard, another key figure in his life.

In 1885, Vuillard left the École des Beaux-Arts and joined his friend Roussel at the studio of painter Diogène Maillart, where he received his early artistic training. By 1888, Vuillard had become part of the Les Nabis group, contributing to their exhibition at Le Barc de Boutteville's art gallery and sharing a studio with other members of the group. Vuillard is renowned for his intimate interior scenes and cityscapes, often capturing the quiet yet meaningful moments of everyday life.