La Paresse

In 1891 Vallotton executed his first woodcut. The many woodcuts he produced during the 1890s were recognized as innovative and established Vallotton as a leader in the revival of woodcut as a true artistic medium. In his prints, Vallotton was always searching for visual elements with a ‘decorative appeal’ and La Paresse (Laziness) is a very good example. Vallotton created this seductive image using lines, surfaces and contrasts in the block of wood: a naked woman and a cat were cut out in white surfaces, and he positioned them against a background of luxuriant patterns.

The naked woman and the cat! How cool is that!