Lot 3283 - A213 Impressionist & Modern Art - Friday, 27. June 2025, 04.30 PM
LOUIS VALTAT
(Dieppe 1869–1952 Paris)
Dahlias, cruche verte. 1942.
Oil on canvas.
Monogrammed lower right: L.V.
92 × 73 cm.
Provenance:
- Sale Christie's, New York, 11.11.1987, Lot 280.
- Private collection, Switzerland, acquired at the above auction.
Literature:
In this magnificent late work, Louis Valtat lays out a brilliant feast of color. Lush dahlias in shades of red, white, yellow, and violet extend in full splendor across the entire canvas. The green ceramic vase—characteristic of Valtat's later still lifes—provides a tranquil contrast to the explosive profusion of blossoms.
The areas of flat, intense color indicate Valtat’s closeness to the aesthetics of the Fauves. Although he never formally belonged to the group around Matisse or Derain, Valtat maintained close artistic ties with them. The influence of this movement permeates his painting and lends his later works the expressive vivacity that makes them so sought-after today.
With bold brushwork and a luminous palette, Valtat demonstrates powerfully how far he distanced himself from purely naturalistic representation in his later work, elevating the flower to a theme of pure color and form.
The areas of flat, intense color indicate Valtat’s closeness to the aesthetics of the Fauves. Although he never formally belonged to the group around Matisse or Derain, Valtat maintained close artistic ties with them. The influence of this movement permeates his painting and lends his later works the expressive vivacity that makes them so sought-after today.
With bold brushwork and a luminous palette, Valtat demonstrates powerfully how far he distanced himself from purely naturalistic representation in his later work, elevating the flower to a theme of pure color and form.
CHF 80 000 / 120 000 | (€ 82 470 / 123 710)
Sold for CHF 318 750 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.