“Barges on the Thames,” painted by Andre Derain in 1906, is an oil-on-canvas artwork representing the Fauvism movement. This cityscape vividly depicts the bustling activity on the River Thames through bold colors and expressive brushstrokes characteristic of the Fauvist style.
The artwork features a dynamic composition with vibrant hues of blue, green, and red dominating the scene. The fluid, almost abstract representation of the river contrasts against the defined structure of a bridge in the background, while the barges in the foreground exhibit a play of light and shadow, creating a lively and whimsical atmosphere. On the right, a large sign reading “LEE & E LIME CEM” anchors the scene, signifying the industrial aspect of the river. The sky is depicted with similarly bold and varied colors, contributing to the overall energetic and dynamic quality of the piece. This composition harmonizes the urban and natural elements, capturing a moment of everyday activity along the Thames with a sense of vitality and expressiveness typical of Fauvism.
