“La Pourvoyeuse (copy After Chardin)” is a painting by Henri Matisse dated circa 1893. The artwork is executed in oil as the medium and is associated with the Realism movement. It falls under the genre painting category with an interior scene depicted. Matisse’s work is recognized for its portrayal of daily life and its focus on the beauty found in the ordinary, as is typical of genre painting during the Realist period.
The artwork reveals an interior scene featuring a young woman in a domestic setting. She stands in the foreground, dressed in a period-appropriate attire consisting of a white blouse with sleeves rolled up to her elbows, a gray apron, and a headscarf, suggesting a working-class status. Her expression is one of contemplation or distraction, her gaze directed towards something outside the frame. She holds a pouch, presumably with provisions, in her left hand, indicating her role as a provider, which is reinforced by the title “La Pourvoyeuse,” meaning “The Provider” or “The Supplier” in English.
A myriad of objects fills the space around her, telling a tale of daily life. On her right, there is a table set against a wall, laden with what appears to be a fresh loaf of bread and a jug, signifying the preparation or aftermath of a meal. The meticulous arrangement and inclusion of the items on the table, coupled with the warm tones of the bread and jug, contrast with the muted colors of the rest of the scene and infuse it with a sense of homeliness.
A black bottle rests on the ground, paired with what seems to be a pan, these items contributing to the narrative of domestic chores. In the darkened background, another figure is partially seen, possibly involved in a separate task, suggesting the bustling nature of household activities and enhancing the depth of the composition. The presence of the secondary figure adds a layer of engagement and context to the central character’s role within this domestic environment.
Overall, the artwork stands as a reflection of ordinary life, emphasizing the theme of daily sustenance and the role of women in managing the household. Matisse’s interpretation offers a lens through which we can appreciate the simplicity and authenticity that the Realist movement aimed to capture.
