Esquisse pour la mairie de Vanves : Vue de Vanves avec guinguette

Esquisse pour la mairie de Vanves: Vue de Vanves avec guinguette shows the commune with a guinguette — an outdoor café or dance hall — in the foreground, a quintessentially French social institution associated with Sunday leisure and working-class recreation. Including a guinguette in the civic decoration scheme represents a relaxation of the usual solemn patriotism in such commissions, acknowledging the pleasure culture that was as much a part of French communal life as monuments and churches. The sketch is notable for its lighter, more animated character.

The guinguette's livelier social character seems to loosen Schmitt's handling — brushwork is freer and the color warmer than in the more topographical views. Figures are suggested with quick strokes. The sketch has more immediate visual energy than its companions.