Nu sur Bleu

20th-century French school oil on carton, signed in the lower right, "Vaumousse," for Maurice Vaumousse (1876-1961). The work has a little texture to the touch.

A very striking small scale painting, titled "The Nude with the Blue Cushion," this Impressionist piece features Madame Vaumousse, the artist's wife, as the model. The painting is characterized by its undulating brushstrokes and varied texture, creating a sense of movement and depth. The model's contours are intentionally blurred, adding an emotional depth to her portrayal. Positioned in recline, she displays a natural elegance, with one arm extending along her body to her knee and the other supporting her head in a thoughtful pose.

The use of frontal lighting casts a harmonious tone across her figure, highlighting her form against the backdrop. The artwork's dynamic composition is subtly anchored by the structured curves of the frame moldings, while the soft, vibrant color scheme under precise lighting amplifies the contemplative nature of the nude.

About the artist: 

Maurice Vaumousse, a Paris-born painter and violinist associated with the Rouen school, lived from October 30, 1876, to November 25, 1961. With an early inclination towards music, Vaumousse pursued violin training while simultaneously cultivating his passion for art at the École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen. He was among the inaugural students of the Rouen painter Joseph Delattre (1858-1912), studying alongside the future luminaries of the Rouen school and engaging with prominent artists like Camille Pissarro (1830-1903).

Vaumousse's artistic journey intertwined with his musical career as he joined the Théâtre des Arts in Rouen, performing across France. His debut at the Salon des Artistes Rouennais in 1906 marked the beginning of his dual vocation in art and music.

After being mobilized in 1914, Vaumousse returned to the art scene in 1919, exhibiting consistently until 1939 at various prestigious galleries and salons, including the Salon des Artistes Rouennais, Galerie Moderne in Rouen, Galerie de Lille, Galerie Simonson in Paris, Galerie Sélection in Rouen, and the Salon des Indépendants.

His contributions to art are recognized in collections at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen and the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris, among others, showcasing his legacy as a multifaceted artist of the Rouen school.

• Overall Size: 13.3" x 15.3" / 34cm x 39cm. 
  
• Size without the frame: 10.2" x 11.8" / 26cm x 30.5cm.
  
• Country: France.  
  
• Signed: Maurice Vaumousse (1876-1961).
• Date: Early or Mid-20th-century.
• Condition: The artwork exhibits a few minor impacts on the painted surface and a noticeable absence at elbow level on the left arm. However, the frame is in good condition, devoid of any missing moldings.
• Materials: Oil on carton with a wood and stucco frame.
• Shipping: This painting includes free shipping. An additional fee is applied for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.