A Fauvist landscape by Maurice de Vlaminck, 'Chatou' captures the French town with bold colours and expressive brushstrokes, reflecting the artist's dynamic and immediate style.

Maurice de Vlaminck (1876-1958) was a French painter known for his role in the Fauvist movement. He, along with Henri Matisse and André Derain, pushed the boundaries of colour and form in the early 20th century. Vlaminck's style is characterised by bold brushstrokes and an expressive use of colour, often depicting scenes from the French countryside. He was largely self-taught, which contributed to his unique and uninhibited approach to painting. His works often convey a sense of raw energy and emotion. 'Chatou' exemplifies Vlaminck's Fauvist style. The painting depicts the town of Chatou, near Paris, with a focus on the interplay of light and colour. The buildings are rendered in bright yellows and whites, contrasted by the red roofs. The surrounding foliage is a mix of greens and blues, applied with thick, visible brushstrokes. The reflection in the water adds depth to the composition, mirroring the colours and forms above. The overall effect is one of dynamism and immediacy, capturing the essence of the scene through the artist's subjective experience.