Who painted Valley of the Lot at Vers?

Valley of the Lot at Vers was painted by André Derain in 1912.

Where can I see Valley of the Lot at Vers?

Valley of the Lot at Vers is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Valley of the Lot at Vers?

Valley of the Lot at Vers is associated with Fauvism.

Can I buy a print of Valley of the Lot at Vers?

Museum-quality prints of Valley of the Lot at Vers are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Valley of the Lot at Vers

André Derain , 1912

Valley of the Lot at Vers is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist André Derain. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

André Derain’s 1912 oil on canvas entitled Valley of the Lot at Vers presents a tranquil countryside scene. The composition opens with a low‑lying valley rendered in muted greens and browns, punctuated by modest structures, while distant mountains loom behind a veil of mist. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a quiet rural landscape along the Lot River, emphasizing the harmony between cultivated land and natural topography. Sparse dwellings suggest human presence without dominating the scene, allowing the viewer to contemplate the enduring relationship between people and the surrounding environment.

Technique & Style

Derain employs a restrained palette of earth tones, applying bold, expressive brushwork that creates a tactile surface. Strong contrasts of light and shadow, reminiscent of chiaroscuro, enhance the illusion of volume, while the loose handling of paint conveys atmospheric depth and a sense of stillness.

History & Provenance

Executed in the early phase of Derain’s post‑Fauve period, the canvas was later acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. Its inclusion in the museum’s holdings reflects the institution’s commitment to representing pivotal developments in early twentieth‑century French painting.