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Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, April 17, 1969, lot 143
Galerie Marcel Bernheim, Paris
Perls Galleries, New York
Private Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1993
MAURICE DE VLAMINCK (1876-1958)
Le Viaduc de Saint-Germain-en-Laye1910-191126 x 32 x 1 in.(66.04 x 81.28 x 2.54 cm) oil on canvas
Provenance
Werner Ruscher, CologneParke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, April 17, 1969, lot 143
Galerie Marcel Bernheim, Paris
Perls Galleries, New York
Private Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1993
Exhibition
Tokyo, Galerie Nichido and Osaka, Shin Daibiru, Vlaminck, October-November 1966, no. 10Literature
Galerie Nichido, Vlaminck, Tokyo, 1966, no. 10, illustrated (dated 1918 and titled Viaduc)175,000
Maurice de Vlaminck’s Le Viaduc de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (circa 1910-1911), an arresting oil on canvas framed in ornate gold, captures the industrial elegance of a viaduct west of Paris. This work, set to be included in the forthcoming catalogue raisonné by the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, reflects Vlaminck’s fascination with the Saint-Germain area. Known for painting its urban landscapes and Seine-side scenes, he infused this particular scene with angular Cubist elements gaining traction in early 20th-century art. The viaduct, built in the 1880s to carry the Paris-Saint-Germain railway line, looms with golden arches against a turbulent gray sky, its unyielding structure juxtaposed with the fractured rooflines of quaint village houses.
Vlaminck’s bold brushstrokes and muted palette create a textured, almost sculptural effect, with trees and rooftops rendered in dynamic, faceted shapes. The overcast sky enhances the scene’s ambient intensity, while the viaduct’s arches dominate, symbolizing modernity amid rural charm. This work exemplifies his early Fauvist roots evolving into Cubist influences, showcasing a pioneering style.
A resident of the region, Vlaminck frequently depicted its evolving landscape, blending tradition with innovation. "Le Viaduc de Saint-Germain-en-Laye" offers collectors a rare glimpse into his transformative period. Its striking composition and historical context make it a compelling addition to any collection, celebrating Vlaminck’s contribution to modern art’s development.
Vlaminck’s bold brushstrokes and muted palette create a textured, almost sculptural effect, with trees and rooftops rendered in dynamic, faceted shapes. The overcast sky enhances the scene’s ambient intensity, while the viaduct’s arches dominate, symbolizing modernity amid rural charm. This work exemplifies his early Fauvist roots evolving into Cubist influences, showcasing a pioneering style.
A resident of the region, Vlaminck frequently depicted its evolving landscape, blending tradition with innovation. "Le Viaduc de Saint-Germain-en-Laye" offers collectors a rare glimpse into his transformative period. Its striking composition and historical context make it a compelling addition to any collection, celebrating Vlaminck’s contribution to modern art’s development.