Description:This rare signed image offers a vivid impression of a remote village and displays Vlaminck’s unique handling of form and volume. It is really a large and dramatically magical work and depicts a warm and classical impressionist landscape.
Produced in c. 1924, this work is an aquatint adopted by Jacques Villon from an original work by Vlaminck. The piece was edited by Bernheim-Jeune and printed by Jacques Villon in a small black and white edition as well as the color edition of 200. Examples of this image were displayed at the Galerie Bernheim-Jeune in 1928 as well as at the Musée Rath, Genève 1955.
Through the use of variegated color and form, the artist creates a pastoral image which captures the transient beauty of nature. The intensity of Vlaminck’s stroke gives the piece a sense of depth while his rendering of form infuses the landscape with robust energy seen throughout the composition in greens, blues, and teals. Its rich color cannot be overlooked as it is the major vehicle driving this landscape, allowing its intensity and emotion to be felt by its viewers. The eye is invited to explore the small village depicted in the background by taking the unpaved road that extends before us adding an illusion of depth and proving to be a true window into another world. In striking contrast to the works of Masson, Braque, Picasso and Leger, Vlaminck offers to his audience, subtle and relaxing imagery that remains intrinsically bucolic and reminiscent of the French countryside.
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Germany
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1) Ginestet, Collette and Pouillon, Catherine, Jacques Villon: Les Etampes et Les Illustrations, 1979, listed on page 396 and 397 as plate 638.
2) de Walterskirchen, Katalin, Maurice de Vlaminck Catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre grave, 1974, listed on page 254 as no. 2.
About the Framing:
Framed in a Baroque-style, bronze moulding, the elegantly carved accents echo both the subject matter and style of Le Village d’Hérouville. Its exquisite detail encompasses the entirety of the work, including a bronze inner fillet to match. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats, this piece is set behind a Plexiglas cover; all materials used are archival to ensure lasting quality.
