The Ball

In The Ball (1899) by Félix Vallotton, a moment of playful innocence is captured in a minimalist yet evocative scene. The painting portrays a young girl in a white dress, chasing after a bright red ball on a sunlit patch of sandy ground. Her shadow, elongated by the sunlight, mirrors her movement, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil composition. In the background, two small figures, dressed in white and blue, stand quietly near a dense wall of lush greenery, observing the scene from a distance. Vallotton’s use of simple forms, muted colors, and large, open spaces emphasizes the carefree nature of childhood, while the expansive environment surrounding the figures creates a sense of calm solitude.