oil on canvas
circa 1905
not signed
65 × 92 cm
framed
Estimate: 2,500,000 CZK – 3,500,000 CZK
Starting price: 1,200,000 CZK Final price: 3,120,000 CZKVáclav Radimský is probably the most famous Czech Impressionist, whose international reputation and the value of his work was enhanced by his stay in Giverny, France, where he often painted side by side with Claude Monet. This visually exceptionally appealing painting from the artist’s popular French period proves his deep roots in the tradition of French Impressionism. Mustard Field in Bloom, a completely simple scene captured with plein air agility, combines solid surfaces with individual brush strokes. These consist of individual yellow dots laid next to each other with energetic gestures, masterfully depicting the mustard field rippling in the breeze. The yellow applied in thick layers is in a harmonious dialogue with the shades of other colours and their conscious interplay. In addition, the intact state of preservation without any later retouching directly presents the artist’s original intention. The harmony of the sky and the mustard field is interspersed with a rather drawn tree line, which hides a number of houses characteristic to the French countryside, thus giving the bright yellow an appropriate contrast. The presented painting finds an analogy in the artist’s work from the same period entitled Rapeseed in Bloom, which was presented at Radimský’s comprehensive exhibition in 1911 (see N. Blažíčková-Horová: Václav Radimský, Prague 2011, repro. 185). Based on the aforementioned aesthetic and artistic values, this painting represents the best of the artist’s style at the peak of his creative strength. Assessed during consultations by prof. J. Zemina and Mgr. M. Dospěl, Ph.D. The expertise by Mgr. P. Kubík and the restoration report by ak. mal. T. Berger are attached.