Who painted The River?

The River was painted by Maxime Maufra in 1902.

Where can I see The River?

The River is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The River?

The River is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The River?

Museum-quality prints of The River are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The River

Maxime Maufra , 1902

The River is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Maxime Maufra. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The River, executed in oil in 1902, is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The canvas depicts a tranquil stretch of water bordered by a grassy bank, trees, and a modest building under a soft, pale sky. The composition balances natural elements with a quiet, rural architecture, inviting the viewer into a serene landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a shallow river flowing through a pastoral setting, its surface catching muted greens and blues that echo the surrounding foliage.

The work portrays a shallow river flowing through a pastoral setting, its surface catching muted greens and blues that echo the surrounding foliage. A row of trees of varying density frames the scene, while a low, sloped-roofed structure nestles among them, suggesting human presence without dominating the natural environment. The overall mood conveys calm and the passage of time in a summer landscape.

Technique & Style

Maufra employs a pronounced impasto technique, allowing brushstrokes to remain visible and impart a tactile surface to water, grass, and foliage. The palette is restrained, favoring fresh yet subdued hues that enhance the sense of a gentle summer day. Thick, gestural strokes catch light, creating texture that contrasts with the smoother, atmospheric sky.

History & Provenance

Painted at the turn of the twentieth century, The River entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, though precise details of its purchase are not recorded in the available documentation. The painting remains a representative example of Maufra’s landscape output during his mature period.

Context

Created during a phase when French painters were exploring the expressive potential of color and texture, the piece reflects broader trends toward naturalistic yet emotionally resonant depictions of the countryside. Maufra’s focus on light, water, and foliage aligns with contemporaneous interests in plein air painting and the evolving language of early modern landscape art.