Le Tricot

An oil painting on canvas mounted to hard carton, from the home and atelier of French artist Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles (1875–1974). The reverse bears the artist’s atelier stamp.

Titled Le Tricot (The Knitter), this intimate interior depicts a woman in traditional Breton dress, seated in quiet concentration as she knits. Her hands, softly illuminated, draw the eye — along with a basket of brightly colored yarn beside her. These two elements provide the primary color and softness in a composition otherwise defined by muted greys and the dark wood tones of furniture. The chair she sits in is recognizable from Hertz-Eyrolles’s other works and was a prominent piece in her own home, suggesting that this may be a family member or guest — or perhaps simply a familiar object she returned to often in her work.

One of Hertz-Eyrolles’s strengths was capturing domestic stillness. Her home served as both subject and sanctuary, and scenes like this reflect her deep attention to everyday moments and the quiet rituals of family life.

Condition to note: The painting is in very good condition. The lower edge of the carton shows some rounding and minor wear.

Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles biography