Maxime Maufra – The Flood in Winter, Basse-Goulaine (Lower Reaches of Loire, near Nantes), 1904 Sotheby’s

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a flooded waterway, seemingly a river or canal, receding into the distance. The scene is rendered in muted tones – predominantly grays, browns, and whites – suggesting a winter setting under an overcast sky. A palpable sense of dampness pervades the composition.
Here we see a path, partially submerged by floodwater, acting as a central visual element, drawing the eye towards the horizon. The water reflects the pale light, creating shimmering patches across its surface and blurring the distinction between ground and sky. Along either side of this flooded pathway are structures – buildings and what appear to be boathouses – rendered in dark greens and browns, their forms softened by the pervasive mist or fog. Several bare trees punctuate the scene, their slender trunks reaching upwards against the diffused light. A small boat rests near one of the buildings, partially submerged in the water, further emphasizing the extent of the flooding.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and expressive, with visible strokes contributing to a sense of atmospheric instability. The application of paint appears thick in places, adding texture and depth to the scene. This technique reinforces the impression of a transient moment – a fleeting glimpse of a landscape transformed by natural forces.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of natures power and humanity’s vulnerability. The flood is not depicted as destructive or chaotic, but rather as an inevitable force shaping the environment. The buildings appear resilient yet subdued, suggesting a quiet acceptance of this cyclical event. There’s a melancholic beauty in the scene – a sense of stillness and solitude that evokes contemplation on the passage of time and the enduring relationship between people and their surroundings. The absence of human figures contributes to this feeling of isolation, allowing the viewer to focus solely on the landscapes mood and atmosphere.