Well the Missus and I trundled up to Andover yesterday to catch Alfred Maurer: At the Vanguard of Modernism at the Addison Gallery of American Art and, say, it was swell.

Maurer was an early 20th Century artist who morphed from an Impressionist to a Fauvist to a Cubist. From the Addison’s website:

Considered the most accomplished American artist to adopt Fauvism, Alfred Maurer (1868–1932) tirelessly explored the boundaries of artistic expression throughout his career. From his cross-fertilization of Fauvism between French and American circles to his channeling of abstraction in his late radical works, Maurer proved to be a formidable creative force in expanding the potential for artistic expression in American art.

Representative samples, early (Whistler inspired) work first:

Then Maurer met Henri Matisse and jumped on board the Fauve Express.

Several years later, Maurer squared up with Cubism.

It’s like he was triplets.

For a more cogent analysis, check out Sebastian Smee’s slightly dyspeptic review in last Sunday’s Boston Globe.

And while you’re there, also check out the excellent exhibits Light/Dark, White/Black, On the Scene: 20th Century Street Photography, and especially Searching for the Real, which showcases the Addison’s fabulous permanent collection.

All are there through July 31.

Seriously, it’s not that far.