The château in those paintings derives its name from rumors about
its owner, rather than from its appearance. It was built in the 18th
century by an industrialist from Marseilles, who manufactured
lampblack paint (derived from soot). He also used it to decorate the
interior walls and furniture of the château. As a result, he was
associated with black magic among the local people, who believed
that the château was also home to the devil.
Cistern in the Park at Château Noir
c. 1900 (270 Kb); Oil on canvas, 74.3 x 61 cm (29 1/4 x 24 in);
Estate of Henry Pearlman, New York; Venturi 780
Château Noir
1902-05 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 70 x 82 cm (27 1/2 x 32 1/4 in);
Collection Jacques Koerfer, Bern; Venturi 797
Château Noir
1900-04 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73.7 x 96.6 cm (29 x 38 in);
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C; Venturi 796
Château Noir
1904-06 (210 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73.6 x 93.2 cm (29 x 36 3/4 in);
The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Venturi 794
Château Noir
1904-06 (240 Kb); Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm (28 3/4 x 36 1/4 in);
Musee du Louvre, Paris; Venturi 795