Who painted Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige?

Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige was painted by Albert Marquet in 1912.

Where can I see Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige?

Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige is held by Musée d'art moderne de Paris.

What movement is Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige?

Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige is associated with Fauvism.

Artwork

Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige

Albert Marquet , 1912

Notre-Dame de Paris sous la neige is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist Albert Marquet. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Musée d'art moderne de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Albert Marquet’s 1912 oil painting Notre‑Dame de Paris sous la neige portrays the iconic cathedral cloaked in a winter veil. Executed in muted grays and browns, the work measures a modest size and is part of the Musée d’art moderne de Paris collection. The scene conveys a quiet, contemplative atmosphere as snow settles over the historic structure.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas centers on Notre‑Dame’s towering façade, its numerous windows and flat roof softened by a blanket of snow. In the foreground, a low wall encloses a green patch of ground while a narrow road carries a few cars, suggesting everyday life paused by the season’s hush. The composition invites reflection on the interplay between monumental architecture and fleeting weather.

Technique & Style

The overall handling leans toward an impressionistic softness while preserving the structural clarity of his Fauvist roots.

Marquet applies oil with smooth, blended strokes that mute the Fauvist vigor of his early period, yet the palette retains a restrained intensity characteristic of that movement. Subtle chiaroscuro models the cathedral’s mass, creating depth through contrasts of light and shadow. The overall handling leans toward an impressionistic softness while preserving the structural clarity of his Fauvist roots.

History & Provenance

Created during a transitional phase in Marquet’s career, the painting reflects his shift from the bold coloration of Fauvism toward a more measured, impressionistic approach. It entered the Musée d’art moderne de Paris’s holdings in the mid‑20th century, where it remains on view as an example of his winter cityscapes and his enduring connection to Henri Matisse.

Context

At the time of its execution, Paris was a frequent subject for artists exploring modern life and urban transformation. Marquet’s friendship with Matisse placed him within the Fauvist circle, yet his personal interest in atmospheric effects led him to depict the city’s landmarks under varied weather conditions, emphasizing mood over decorative color.