Artwork

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus, by Théo van Rysselberghe, oil, 1896
Portrait of Madame Charles Maus, by Théo van Rysselberghe, oil, 1896

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus is an oil painting by the Neo-Impressionist artist Théo van Rysselberghe. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus is an oil on canvas painting by Théo van Rysselberghe, dated to 1896. The work captures a serene domestic scene, contrasting a figure's quiet presence with the vibrant play of light and color in the background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Madame Charles Maus seated in a chair near a window, her understated dark attire punctuated by a brooch. The juxtaposition of her calm demeanor with the dynamic backdrop may suggest a balance between the subject's personality and her surroundings.

Technique & Style

Van Rysselberghe employed loose, expressive brushstrokes, often in tiny, colorful dots, contributing to a lively, rapid execution appearance. Notable is the use of impasto in the fireplace's red screen and the wall's textured, multi-colored background, emphasizing tactile quality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1896, the painting is part of the collection at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Context

This work reflects van Rysselberghe's engagement with contemporary artistic movements, likely influenced by Pointillism's emphasis on color dots and the expressive brushwork of Post-Impressionism, adapted to a traditional portrait setting.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of 'Portrait of Madame Charles Maus' on subsequent art movements are not broadly highlighted, it remains a characteristic example of van Rysselberghe's style during the late 19th century, showcasing his ability to blend innovative techniques with portrait conventions.

Portrait of the Artist's Sister
Portrait of the Artist's Sister, Georges Lemmen

Artist & collection

Portrait of Théo van Rysselberghe

Artist

Théo van Rysselberghe

Théophile "Théo" van Rysselberghe was a Belgian neo-impressionist painter, who played a pivotal role in the European art scene at the turn of the twentieth century.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Madame Charles Maus?

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus was painted by Théo van Rysselberghe in 1896.

Where can I see Portrait of Madame Charles Maus?

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus is held by Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

What movement is Portrait of Madame Charles Maus?

Portrait of Madame Charles Maus is associated with Neo-Impressionism.