In the 1890s, Vuillard belonged to a group of artists known as the Nabis, who believed a work’s color and form should align with the artist’s expressive intent. In this subtle, introspective scene, Vuillard silhouetted his model before a trellised window, whose pattern of light and shadow echoes the dotted print of her shirt. The focus is on the decorative patterning and not the woman herself.
Vuillard’s mother ran a corset and dress-making business out of their home, employing several seamstresses at a time. Scenes of women sewing were a daily occurrence in their household and served as readily available subjects for Vuillard’s paintings.

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