Maurice de Vlaminck (1876–1958) was a French painter and one of the central figures of the Fauvist movement, known for his vibrant use of color and bold brushwork. Born in Paris to a musical family, Vlaminck initially pursued a career as a violinist but shifted to painting after a pivotal meeting with fellow artist André Derain in 1900. This encounter sparked his passion for art, and he soon joined forces with Derain and Henri Matisse, becoming a leading figure of Fauvism.
Vlaminck's early work was characterized by explosive color, a hallmark of the Fauvist style, which he used to express emotion and energy rather than realistic representation. His landscapes, particularly scenes of the French countryside and Seine River, were painted with intense, almost wild colors that shocked the art world at the time.
As his career progressed, Vlaminck moved away from Fauvism, adopting a more somber palette influenced by Cézanne and the Old Masters. He distanced himself from avant-garde trends, focusing on expressive, almost brooding depictions of rural life.
Despite his shift in style, Vlaminck remains celebrated for his role in Fauvism, where his daring use of color contributed to the development of modern art.