A satirical 1904 lithograph by Félix Vallotton, depicting a schoolroom scene with his signature bold, graphic style.

This lithograph by Félix Vallotton appeared in the French satirical magazine L'Assiette au Beurre in 1904. The image depicts a classroom scene where a stern teacher looms over a student, who sits slumped at his desk. The caption, written in the artist's hand, translates to: 'You will conjugate ten times the verb: I watch the flies fly instead of listening to my teacher.' Vallotton employs his characteristic style of flat planes of colour and bold, simplified forms. The composition relies on strong silhouettes and a restricted palette, which was a hallmark of his work for the Nabis group and his later graphic output. By reducing the visual information to essential shapes, he directs the viewer's attention to the power dynamic between the authority figure and the distracted pupil. The stark contrast between the black clothing of the figures and the neutral background creates a graphic clarity that is typical of his woodcuts and lithographic prints. As a contributor to L'Assiette au Beurre, Vallotton often engaged with social and institutional critique. This piece captures a moment of mundane schoolroom discipline, rendered with a dry, observational humour. The lack of unnecessary detail allows the narrative to remain the primary focus. The work demonstrates his ability to convey psychological tension through minimal means, avoiding sentimentality in favour of a sharp, analytical approach to his subject matter. This print offers a glimpse into the satirical culture of early twentieth-century France, where artists frequently used their medium to comment on the rigid structures of society, including the educational system.