Valéry Müller - The Pont-neuf In Paris

Oil on canvas by Valéry Müller (1873-1917) depicting a view of the Pont-Neuf in Paris in 1909.

Oil: 27 x 41 cm; frame: 48 x 60.5 cm.

Born in Elbeuf, a student of Philippe Zacharie, Valéry Müller exhibited at the Galerie Legrip in Rouen in 1904 and at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 1904, 1906, and 1907. He primarily showed views of Paris, particularly of bridges, a recurring theme in his work. His style is deeply influenced by that of Joseph Delattre. This is evident in the numerous brushstrokes applied with a fine brush, the impression of immersion created by placing the water in the foreground, and above all, a beautiful transparency.

While the format still recalls Delattre's choices, the variations and blending of blues make it a strikingly modern Impressionist painting. Valéry Müller's oeuvre is extremely limited, partly due to his early death and partly due to his numerous other activities. Alongside painting, he pursued a career as a literary critic and journalist. The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) holds a portion of his drawing collection.