André Derain was one of the most prominent French painters of the early 20th century. He was born on June 10, 1880 in Chatou, a suburb of Paris, France, and died at the age of 74 on September 8, 1954 in Garches, a commune in the western suburbs of Paris.
Early Years and Education
Derain grew up in a middle-class family with a passion for the arts. His father was a successful pastry chef and his mother was a seamstress. Derain showed a keen interest in painting from a young age, and at the age of 18, he enrolled at the Académie Carrière in Paris to study art.
As a student, Derain was greatly influenced by the work of Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Matisse. These artists helped Derain develop his own unique style, which blended bold colors and simple forms.
The Fauvist Movement
Along with Matisse, Derain became one of the leading figures in the Fauvist movement, which emerged in France in the early 1900s. Fauvism was characterized by its use of bright, vivid colors and bold brushstrokes, and its rejection of the traditional rules of perspective and composition.
Derain’s paintings from this period are considered some of his greatest works. “Landscape at Collioure,” painted in 1905, is a quintessential example of Fauvist art. The painting depicts a colorful village and harbor on the Mediterranean coast, with a bright blue sky and bold red and yellow buildings.
Derain’s Later Work
In the years following the Fauvist movement, Derain continued to experiment with new styles and techniques. He moved away from the bold colors and thick brushstrokes of his earlier work, and began to paint in a more restrained and classical manner.
Among his most notable works from this period are his portraits. Derain was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a few bold strokes, and his portraits are celebrated for their simplicity and directness.
Derain’s Personal Life
Derain was a private person who valued his solitude and independence. He was married twice, first to Alice Raingo in 1930, and later to Paule Gobillard in 1950. He had no children.
In addition to his passion for painting, Derain was also an avid reader and music lover. He enjoyed listening to classical music and opera, and was known to play the piano in his spare time.
André Derain’s Legacy
André Derain is remembered as one of the most important painters of the early 20th century. His contributions to the Fauvist movement helped to shape the course of modern art, and his later work remains celebrated for its sensitivity and simplicity.
Despite his immense talent, Derain was never interested in celebrity or fame. He preferred to let his art speak for itself, and he continued to paint until the end of his life.
Frequently Asked Questions About André Derain
How old was André Derain when he died?
André Derain died at the age of 74 on September 8, 1954.
What was André Derain known for?
André Derain was known for his contributions to the Fauvist movement and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects in a few bold strokes.
Was André Derain an impressionist?
No, André Derain was not an impressionist. He was a leading figure in the Fauvist movement, which emerged in France in the early 1900s.
Where did André Derain live?
André Derain lived in various locations throughout his life, including Paris and the suburbs of Garches and Chatou.
When was André Derain born?
André Derain was born on June 10, 1880 in Chatou, a suburb of Paris, France.
When did André Derain start painting?
André Derain began painting at a young age and enrolled at the Académie Carrière in Paris to study art when he was 18 years old.
When did André Derain die?
André Derain died on September 8, 1954 at the age of 74.