Vue Sur Le Viaduc D’auteuil c. 1905 - 1910

Maximilien Luce painted Vue Sur Le Viaduc D’auteuil, using oil on canvas. Luce was a prominent figure in the Neo-Impressionist movement, known for his depictions of urban and industrial landscapes, and his anarchist beliefs. The painting reflects the socio-political context of late 19th-century France. With its focus on a modern bridge amid a cityscape, Luce engages with themes of industrialization and progress, but it also hints at the social tensions brewing beneath the surface. As an anarchist, Luce would have been acutely aware of the disparities between the wealthy and working classes. He once stated that art should "show the people their own strength." The use of vibrant colors and broken brushstrokes creates a sense of energy and movement, while the stark contrast between light and shadow hints at the darker aspects of urban life, such as pollution and poverty. Luce's work is more than just a visual representation of a place, it’s a reflection on the changing face of society and the complex relationship between progress, labor, and social justice.