You shall conjugate...

Félix Vallotton's "You shall conjugate..." is a striking color lithograph from 1901, a period when the artist, associated with the Symbolist group Les Nabis, was transitioning away from the woodcuts that had brought him international recognition. While he largely concentrated on painting after 1901, this piece showcases his mastery of printmaking and his characteristic style. Vallotton's earlier woodcuts, such as the famous "Intimacies" series, were known for their bold masses of black and white and minimal detail, depicting charged domestic encounters. This lithograph, created just before he largely ceased printmaking, demonstrates a more nuanced approach with color, yet retains the sharp observation and often unsettling psychological depth found in his work. Vallotton, known for his unemotional, realistic style, often explored themes of modern life and human relationships, sometimes with a satirical edge. This piece, like many of his prints, likely offers a commentary on societal norms or personal interactions, inviting the viewer to decipher its implied narrative.