slightly abstracted image of a zeppelin in the sky in the beams of three searchlights; trees at bottom; dark night sky

Le Zeppelin, from "Paysages de guerre", 1915

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Maxime Maufra was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker active between 1880 and 1918. He first exhibited his work at the Paris Salon of 1886. Though associated with the Nabi movement, his art was closer to that of Alfred Sisley and Camille Pissarro, especially their use of short brushstrokes. Maufra’s simplified land- and seascapes, usually devoid of figures, synthesize strong linear elements, bold colors, and the play of light and shadow. His numerous original prints, include lithographs, etchings, and aquatints.

"His Paysages de guerre" (Landscapes of War), portfolio represents a departure for the artist. Produced in response to the terrible events and upheavals of World War I, Le Zeppelin depicts a German military airship on a bombing raid or reconnaissance mission under illumination by searchlights. It is unusual within the larger context of images of warfare; despite the widespread use of zeppelins by the German armed forces during World War I, the subject is rare among depictions of war. Indeed, there are no other images of military zeppelins in Mia's extensive collection of war-themed prints.

Details
Title
Le Zeppelin, from "Paysages de guerre"
Artist Life
1861 - 1918
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2009.30.5
Provenance
Didier Martinez, Paris; Eric G. Carlson, New York
Catalogue Raisonne
Morane 103
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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slightly abstracted image of a zeppelin in the sky in the beams of three searchlights; trees at bottom; dark night sky