An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Near PontoiseMaurice de Vlaminck
French, 1876-1958
c. 1918/20
France
81 × 99.7 cm (31 7/8 × 39 1/4 in.)
Oil on canvas
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carter H. Harrison
['houses', 'green (color)', 'trees', 'forests']
['painting', 'modern and contemporary art']
In the verdant embrace of nature, "Near Pontoise" unfolds—a solace of hues and form, where time surrenders to a moment of tranquil reflection. Maurice de Vlaminck, wielding his brush like a whisper through the trees, captures a scene infused with the gentle rhythms of life.
The house stands steadfast amid a chorus of greens and blues, its walls bathed in dappled light that dances across the canvas. Each stroke speaks to the stillness of the air, the leaves murmuring secrets of the wind, while the surrounding trees arch protectively, as if guarding this sanctuary from the tumult beyond.
Here, the world slips away, immersed in a tapestry of color that is both vibrant and serene. The interplay of light creates a shimmering path to the water, where the reflections ripple softly—mirroring a serene perspective, an invitation to breathe deeply, to pause, to revel in this painted breathing space.
As Vlaminck invites us into this tranquil haven, one can almost hear the soft murmur of nature, a reminder that peace lies in the moments spent in quiet contemplation, cradled by the arms of the landscape. In this haven, creation and creator converge—a harmony that whispers stories of stillness, waiting quietly to be discovered.
About the artist
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