André Derain
Born - Chatou, France 1880
Died - Garches, France 1954
André Derain first became acquainted with fellow painter Maurice de Vlaminck when he was a student. Derain met Henri Matisse in 1899 and introduced his friend Vlaminck to Matisse a couple of years later. Although all three artists recognised the important similarities between them it was not until 1905 that they entered the Salon d’Automne for the first time as part of a large group. The boldness of these painters’ work led to their nickname of the Fauvers (wild beats). Derain’s work of this period, with its expressive use of pure colour and mosaic surfaces, marked him out as one of the most original and important of the Fauvers. Barges on the Themes is one of a number of Derain’s works that took London landmarks as its theme. In his use of strong colour Derain transforms the scene, making the influence of Cubism. He met Picasso and worked with him at Cadaqués. After 1919, Derain retreated from the avant-garde and reverted to a more traditional style, adopting a much more restrained and sombre palette.
Masterpieces:
- Fishing Boats, Collioure
- St Paul’s from the Themes.
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.