The Fauves created paintings that seem to celebrate the pleasures of painting as much as the pleasures of life.
Matisse
Although the style implies a rapid or even slipshod painting process, Open Window, Collioure was carefully orchestrated in every aspect.
Henri Matisse, Open Window, Collioure
At first glance this looks like a series of cheerful circus images, but upon further inspection, it’s much darker.
Henri Matisse, the illustrated book Jazz
When Matisse painted this, all the cool kids were into cubist geometry—and Matisse was definitely cool.
Henri Matisse, The Blue Window
Matisse borrows brushwork technique from his pal Signac—but don’t call him a Pointillist just yet.
Henri Matisse, Luxe, calme et volupté
Here, Matisse commits the cardinal parenting sin of conflating his own childhood experiences with those of his son.
Henri Matisse, The Piano Lesson
To say that Matisse “had a thing for goldfish” would be kind of an understatement.
Henri Matisse, Goldfish
In this painting of the artist’s studio, it’s Matisse vs. the illusion of space in a bloody battle royale.
Henri Matisse, The Red Studio
You know that painting from third grade your mom won’t take off the fridge? This is different. Mostly.
Henri Matisse, Dance I
Though its languid poses reference Titian, this was regarded as the most radical painting of its day.
Henri Matisse, Bonheur de Vivre
The joyful, vivid, sensual paintings of the “wild beasts” had a dark side.
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