Introduction to Fauvism

A Quick Introduction…. The word ‘FAUVE’ means Wild Beast and that is exactly what artists like Maurice De Vlaminck, Andre Derain and Henri Matisse were called when they displayed their paintings in the Art galleries in Paris. These modern artists were known for their use of deep, non-representational colour choices. Colours were chaotic, bold and unrealistic. They simplified lines, exaggerated perspectives and made the subject easier to read. The art movement was short lived. All of the paintings related to Fauvism were completed in 2 years – between 1905 and 1907.

A little about…. Andre Derain He was born in France and attended the Academie Camillo Art School. There he met and became friends with Henri Mattise. In 1900 he met and shared a studio with Maurice de Vlaminck and together they painted their first landscapes. Derain made an impact on the Paris Art scene in 1905, when he and Matisse displayed their innovative and ‘colourful’ paintings. Art Critic Louis Vauxcelles dubbed them Les Fauves (the wild beasts) and this name stuck with them. In 1906 Derain visited London, and painted 30 cityscapes. These scenes were radically different from anything done by previous painters of the city (like Monet and Whistler) because of the way he used colours in an unrealistic and bold way. Today, these paintings are among his most famous and cost in excess of $6million.

Mountains at Collioure By Andre Derain Charing Cross Bridge By Andre Derain London, St Pauls By Andre Derain

Portrait of Henri Matisse By Andre Derain Portrait of Andre Derain By Henri Matisse

A little about…. Henri Mattise He was born in France and in 1887 he went to Paris to study law and only started painting after an attack of appendicitis. During this time he described his painting as discovering “a kind of paradise”. By 1904 he was well established as an artist and then in 1905 he began to work closely with Andre Derain, and his painting started to become bolder. more expressive and used strong ‘wild’ colours. As he was the older member of the Fauves, he became known as a the art movement’s leader.

Green Stripe (Madame Matisse) By Henri Matisse Bowl of Apples on a Table By Henri Matisse Harmony in Red, La Desserte By Henri Matisse

He wass influenced by artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne A little about…. Maurice de Vlaminck He was born in Paris in to a very musical family. He studied the Violin before going on to become a professional cyclist. In 1896 he had to retire due to illness and instead joined the military. During his time in the services he met and became firm friends with Andre Derain He wass influenced by artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne

Tugboats on the Seine By Maurice de Vlaminck The river Seine at Chatou By Maurice de Vlaminck Barges on the Seine By Maurice de Vlaminck