Entitled Vallotton Foreverthis major exhibition brings together more than 200 emblematic works at Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA)on the vibrant platform 10. It is part of one of the highlights of The Vallotton yearmarking the centenary of his death and celebrating the heritage of a painter who has become essential in the history of art.
A career cut to chisel
Nourished by the most recent research, the exhibition highlights the multiple facets of the Lausanne artist.
At first, we follow the young Vallotton landed in Paris at the age of 16, determined to win in the artistic bubbling of the end of the 19th century. Painting, wood engraving, satirical press: everything goes there, with remarkable consistency in its approach.
At the end of the 1890s, Vallotton joined the circle of Nabisthese innovative artists who mark their time. But then again, he stands out: sharp look, acidic humor, the Lausanne artist size his path, without concession. He diverts the codes and reveals the social tensions of his time, without ever ceasing to dig (literally) his own way. And if you thought that a table could not be satirical, Vallotton could well change your mind …
From ink to oil: Vallotton’s metamorphosis
The second part of the exhibition explores the decisive turn of the 20th century in the artist’s life. With a financial stability acquired by his marriage, Vallotton abandons engraving to devote himself exclusively to painting. Further, more intimate, more melancholy too, his work is then tinged with a new depth.
Its portraits, nakeds and landscapes, sometimes inspired by its illustrious models like Holbein, Ingres or Poussin, stands out as the marks of a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Vallotton is part of art history, while continuing to invent it in its own way.
An exhibition for all audiences
You might think that a great painter of the past only speaks to initiates … and yet, Vallotton Forever has everything to please an intergenerational audience. The works are rich in narration, symbols, atmospheres, sometimes funny, sometimes dark, always intriguing.
Families will find in this exhibition a field of dialogue: why does this character have this air? What does this landscape say? And this strange title, what does it mean?
Or? Lausanne Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts
When? From October 24, 2025 to February 15, 2026, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 p.m. on Thursdays)
How much? Adults 15 fr., AVS/AI/students 12 fr. Free for those under 26 and the first Saturday of the month
Find all the details of the exhibition in the Roman cultural agenda.