Maurice De Vlaminck

Maurice de Vlaminck, born in Paris, France in 1876, was a pioneering French painter and a central figure in the Fauvist movement, renowned for his bold use of color and expressive brushwork. Born to musician parents, he initially pursued careers in music and competitive cycling before turning to painting in his early twenties. A chance meeting with fellow artist André Derain in 1900 led to a lifelong friendship and collaboration that helped define Fauvism, particularly through their participation in the groundbreaking 1905 Salon d'Automne exhibition. Influenced by Vincent van Gogh and later Paul Cézanne, Vlaminck's style evolved from vibrant, emotionally charged landscapes to more structured compositions with a subdued palette. Throughout his life, he remained a prolific artist and writer, leaving an indelible mark on modern art.