Maurice de Vlaminck is closely associated with the Fauves, a turn-of-the-century group of painters known for adopting a radically new, vibrant palette and applying large areas of pure, flat color. Most strongly identified with Henri Matisse, this style is evident in de Vlaminck’s well-known works Bateaux-Lavoirs and Portrait of Derain (both 1905), featuring van Gogh-inspired coloration and expression. Shortly thereafter, de Vlaminck grew more concerned with compositional structure, creating dramatic landscapes inspired by Paul Cézanne. As his style continued to develop, he adopted a more severe palette and became known for his depictions of violet-hued, stormy skies reigning over the windswept French countryside.