Who painted Coup de vent?

Coup de vent was painted by Maurice Dumont in 1895.

Where can I see Coup de vent?

Coup de vent is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Coup de vent?

Coup de vent is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Coup de vent?

Museum-quality prints of Coup de vent are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Coup de vent

Maurice Dumont , 1895

Coup de vent is a print by the Impressionist artist Maurice Dumont. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

As an artist active only until his death in 1899, Dumont is noted for his exploration of alternative processes rather than traditional oil painting.

Coup de vent (1895) by French artist Maurice Dumont is a saccharograph executed in brown on china paper. The work depicts a turbulent landscape dominated by two central trees whose branches twist violently, conveying the force of a gale. The composition features a rough, uneven ground plane and a dark, swirling atmosphere, rendered entirely in monochromatic brown tones.

Dumont employed the saccharograph technique, a rare method involving the application of a sugar solution to create resist areas that are later washed away to reveal the paper, resulting in a soft, sketch-like quality with smudged edges. Created in 1895, this piece exemplifies Dumont's experimental approach to printmaking during the late 19th century. As an artist active only until his death in 1899, Dumont is noted for his exploration of alternative processes rather than traditional oil painting.

Coup de vent stands as a significant example of his mastery over the saccharograph medium, capturing dynamic natural forces through a unique textural vocabulary that distinguishes it from standard ink-based prints of the period.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a bleak, swirling landscape dominated by two massive trees whose contorted branches reach outward. The ground appears uneven and rugged, suggesting a storm‑tossed terrain. The stark, almost skeletal forms convey a sense of elemental force and atmospheric tension.

Technique & Style

Dumont employed the saccharograph process, substituting sugar for traditional ink, which yields a textured, smudged appearance. The brown tones are applied through chiaroscuro, using contrasts of light and shadow to enhance the dramatic mood. The resulting surface resembles a pressed sketch rather than a smooth print.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, Coup de vent reflects Dumont’s experimental phase with alternative print media. The work is documented as part of his 1895 output, though specific ownership records beyond its initial exhibition remain limited.

Context

During the 1890s, artists explored unconventional materials and printing methods to break from academic conventions. Dumont’s use of saccharography aligns with this broader movement toward tactile, expressive techniques that foreground the materiality of the print itself.