Sunset at the Andelys by Félix Vallotton
Description: "Sunset at the Andelys" (Coucher de soleil aux Andelys) by Félix Vallotton is a vibrant landscape painting that captures the serene beauty of a sunset over the town of Les Andelys, located in the Normandy region of France. Painted in the early 20th century, this work reflects Vallotton's mastery in the use of bold colors and simplified forms to convey the dramatic effects of light at dusk. The composition shows the sun descending over the town, casting warm orange, red, and pink hues across the sky and water, while the shadows deepen to purples and blues. The landscape is simplified into broad, flat areas of color that emphasize the geometric shapes of the hills, river, and sky, creating a striking contrast between light and dark. Vallotton’s characteristic use of color and sharp delineation lends a modernist touch to the scene, infusing it with both calmness and intensity.
Félix Vallotton (1865–1925) was a Swiss-French painter and printmaker associated with the Nabis group, known for his distinctive style that combined realism with elements of abstraction. Vallotton was influenced by Japanese woodblock prints and the Symbolist movement, which is evident in his emphasis on strong outlines, flat color planes, and his ability to distill the essence of a landscape into simple yet powerful forms. "Sunset at the Andelys" is an example of Vallotton's landscape work, where he explores the emotional and atmospheric qualities of natural scenes, transforming them into moments of quiet contemplation and beauty.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Les Andelys, Normandy, France, early 20th century.
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Medium: Oil on canvas.
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Full Artwork Name: Sunset at the Andelys (Coucher de soleil aux Andelys) by Félix Vallotton.
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Artwork Style: Post-Impressionism with elements of Symbolism and Japanese influence.
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Subject/Topic: A sunset scene over the town of Les Andelys in Normandy, capturing the vibrant colors and atmospheric effects of dusk.
