The painting Matisse and Terrus, signed by André Derain, fetched €3.186 million (about $3.39 million) at a Christie's auction on Tuesday, April 9. Nearly 120 years after its creation, it was rediscovered by the descendants of its original owner, Étienne Terrus. After being displayed in the Terrus family home for six decades, the artwork was found shielded from light in storage, ensuring its exceptional preservation.
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Crafted while visiting the summer residence of the Occitan painter Étienne Terrus in Collioure, this piece vividly captures the bond between Matisse, Terrus, and Derain. It represents more than mere friendship; according to Christie's, it embodies an "artistic dialogue." This period marked the first time Matisse and Derain experimented with the pure and intense colors that would later become hallmarks of their work.
The camaraderie between Matisse and Derain in the early 20th century is evident by their mutual portraits and correspondence. Before his sojourn to Collioure, Derain was frustrated by the artistic milieu in Paris and wished to join Matisse in the South. Once there, Derain's works captured the brightness and vivacity of the region. His enthusiasm for the south of France is reflected in letters to Matisse, in which he described the brilliant light and vitality of the Mediterranean landscape.
Related: 8 Artists Inspired by the South of France
This stay marked a transformative period for Derain, freeing him from artistic constraints and enhancing his freedom of expression. At the end of their stay, Matisse and Derain returned to Paris with an impressive portfolio of works, including many portraits and landscapes of the South.
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The dynamic, vivid painting is a historic piece: its creation symbolizes the essence of Fauvism, when Derain was emerging as a pioneer of the movement.
André Derain was later recognized as one of the leading figures of Fauvism. His impressive ability to capture energy and light, mentioned in letters to Matisse, earned him renown. His work has an ongoing significance as it continues to be studied and admired today.