A Kitchen (1889 CE)

Une Cuisine or “A kitchen” (1889) by Maximilien Luce is a captivating example of Neo-Impressionist artistry. It skillfully portrays a quiet, domestic kitchen scene using Divisionist techniques, inviting the viewer to appreciate both the technical precision and the subtle emotional depth of the everyday moment it captures.

Maximilien Luce painted “Une Cuisine” in 1889, during a period when Neo-Impressionism, particularly Pointillism, was at its peak. Influenced by artists such as Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, Luce adopted the Divisionist technique, characterized by the use of small, distinct dots or strokes of color. This work fits within his broader oeuvre of genre paintings, which frequently depict working-class life and domestic interiors. Luce, an anarchist, often focused on the dignity of labor, and this painting reflects that interest through its quiet attention to an ordinary kitchen.

While specific anecdotes about the creation of “Une Cuisine” are sparse, it is known that Luce’s political beliefs shaped much of his artistic output. His focus on working-class interiors, as seen in this painting, is linked to his anarchist philosophy, which sought to elevate the common experiences of everyday people. The depiction of a modest kitchen is emblematic of his intent to give dignity to daily routines and labor, a radical notion during his time.

“Une Cuisine” is significant within the Neo-Impressionist movement as it showcases the Divisionist technique of separating colors into individual strokes or dots. This technique not only allows for a more vibrant interplay of light and color but also brings a sense of order and harmony to the otherwise fragmented scene. The subject matter—a humble kitchen—reflects Luce’s commitment to representing the lives of the working class, offering insight into the socio-political context of the time. The painting’s calm and thoughtful treatment of domestic life highlights the cultural importance of the home in the broader conversation of labor and society.

Painted in oil on canvas, “Une Cuisine” measures 65 x 54 cm (25 5/8 x 21 ¼ inches). The work is executed in the Pointillist style, employing a meticulous technique where individual dots or strokes of paint are applied to build up the composition. This approach, influenced by Seurat’s Divisionism, allows for a detailed yet harmonious interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the domestic tranquility of the scene.

Une Cuisine was auctioned at Christie’s in 2017, following the sale, it became part of a private collection.