Maurice Vlaminck, born in Paris on 4 April 1876, was a pioneering French painter best known for his bold, expressive landscapes and vibrant use of colour. Initially training as a violinist, Vlaminck turned to painting in his early twenties, influenced by his love of nature and a desire to capture the intensity of the world around him. He was a central figure in the Fauvist movement, alongside artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain, characterised by their wild use of colour and strong brushwork. De Vlaminck’s works often depicted the rural landscapes of northern France, particularly the Seine, and his palette was dominated by vivid reds, oranges, and blues, which conveyed both emotion and a sense of vitality. By the early 1900s, he had developed his own distinctive style, blending elements of Impressionism with the expressive freedom of Fauvism. In later years, his work became more restrained, and he increasingly focused on still life and portraiture, but his reputation as a master of colour and a key figure in early 20th-century French art remained solid. Vlaminck continued to exhibit widely throughout his career, and his legacy as one of the most influential Fauves is firmly established. He died in 1958, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to inspire and captivate viewers today.