French Canal Scene by Maurice de Vlaminck

• Title: ‘French Canal Scene’
• Artist: Maurice de Vlaminck 1876 – 1958

Provenance: Earl of Airlie’s art collection.

After the death of his mother, the Dowager Countess of Airlie (Lady Alexandra 

Coke), the picture was sold to W.S. Beaton, antique dealer, Kinnoull Street, Perth, 

in 1984.

Signature: signed lower right – VLAMINCK

Labels: on reverse – E. Pouille-Lecoultre

 65 Rue de Republique

 Lyon.

Numbers: on reverse - top left No 236

 d 33

 45006

Subject:

A French Canal. 

In the foreground of the painting, running up the right-hand side of the canal, is a path 
which is creating the perspective leading you through the painting. In the lower right 
is a grass and sand verge where there are a number of flat bottomed skiffs with men 
working around them. The path, once again leading you through the scene shows a 
working laundry barge tethered to the canal bank in a central position. Its washing 
is displayed on a rope also tethered to the bank and barge. The smoke billowing 
from its chimney creates a strong central focus which changes the perspective of the 
painting. Across the canal on the far bank are distant houses with red roofs, trees and 
a blue skyline. It appears to be a quiet working day as the canal lacks bustle.

Artist:

Maurice de Vlaminck is a name recognised throughout the art world. He was one of 
the main artists in the Fauves Movement which was at its height between 1904 and 
1908. Their use of colour and abstraction earned them the name ‘The Wild Beasts.’ 
He was influenced by Andre Derain and after their first meeting a lifelong friendship 
was formed. Although he travelled throughout France, Vlaminck spent most of his 
time painting around the Seine.

Condition:

The painting is a watercolour on paper which has yellowed, making the colours less 
vibrant. With a little conservation this could be returned to its original vibrancy.
The paper has been glued to its backboard, retaining the labels and numbers.

Research:

Research was carried out in 2005 when the opinions of the following were sought:

D. Shackleton, art dealer

T Fidelo, art dealer

Stoppenbach & Delestre, art dealers

T.C. Clarke, National Gallery of Scotland.

Witt Library: did not have that image but a number similar.

Wildenstein Institute, France: wanted a payment of 1000 euros to put it into their resume. Bob Stoppenbach said this was unnecessary. 

Summary:

This painting has been with us since it was purchased in 1984. All who have seen and 
handled it agree it is a very good example of the artist’s work.t form as colourful works of art.