André Derain (1880 - 1954) was a French artist, painter, sculptor and co-founder of Fauvism with Henri Matisse. In 1898, while studying to be an engineer, he attended painting classes where he met Matisse. In 1900, he met and shared a studio with Maurice de Vlaminck and together they began to paint scenes in the neighbourhood, but this was interrupted by military service. Following his release from service, Matisse persuaded Derain's parents to allow him to abandon his engineering career and devote himself solely to painting; subsequently Derain attended the Académie Julian. Afterwards Matisee and Derain worked together and founded the Fauvist movement (from Wikipedia). The painting displayed above is Self Portrait with a Cap (1905)
Boats at Collioure (1905)
Collioure is a town on the Mediterranean coast of southern France. This is one of the first examples of the fauvist style.
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The Drying Sails (1905)
The same spot, but a more subdued approach.
Charing Cross Bridge (1906)
One of a series of paintings Derain made during a visit to London. This must be the Thames river of course - and near to the famous series of paintings Monet created there earlier.
This is a personal favourite of mine. No location is given in the title.
Madame Derain in Green (1907)
A bit of a puzzle here based on the painting's title - wife or mother (guessing the latter)? Anyway, it's a very strong portrait.
Landscape near Cassis (1907)
One of many landscape paintings Derain made at or near the Côte d'Azur. This one stands out for its bold uses of colours and stylized shapes.
View of Cagnes (1910)
Cagnes-sur-Mer, also located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, has drawn many artists in the 19th century, starting with Renoir. Of course Derain also took the opportunity to paint this picturesque town.
The Dancer (1910)
One of the best model paintings Derain made. Depicted in true expressionist style, the dancer looks very attractive.
Vista de Saint Paul de Vence (1910)
Back to 'portraits' of towns in the Provence. This is one of the best paintings in the series, befitting for one of the most attractive towns. We visited it ourselves early this century, and I still remember how narrow the streets were...
The River (1912)
A personal favourite of mine. The river is not identified, but it is probably in the Provence region.
Landscape At Cadaqués (1913)
Hopping just across the border to Spain. It is another town popular with artists in the early 1900's, from Dali to Picasso.
Female nude with a jug (1925)
In later years, Derain turned his back on the expressionist Fauves style, and switched to neoclassicism. These are not to my taste, with a big exception for this nude.
Copyright statement: images all in public domain.
