Reference list · Fauvism
1890 – 1933
Henri Matisse's Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) (1906), Henri Matisse's Woman with a Hat (1905), Henri Matisse's The Dance (1909–1910, Hermitage Museum), Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913, Pushkin State Museum) and Henri Matisse's L'Atelier rouge Huile sur Toile - (181x219) (1911, MOMA - Museum of Modern Art): these are the most famous Fauvism paintings. This ranking lists the 100 best-known Fauvism paintings, painted between 1890 and 1933 by 17 artists, with the museum where each one hangs today.
List
Each entry records the artist, date, technique, dimensions and current collection, followed by a summary from the artwork's notice.
1906Oil on canvas
Emerging from the artistic ferment of post-Impressionism, Le bonheur de vivre boldly rejects traditional perspective and naturalistic color. Matisse, alongside artists like André Derain, employed intensely vivid, non-local colors – a hallmark of Fauvism (“wild beasts”).
Notable elementsvibrant colorsfragmented formsunconventional compositiondreamlike atmosphere
Henri MatisseFauvism
1905Oil on canvas
"Woman with a Hat" is a striking portrait of Henri Matisse's wife, Amélie. The imaginative design of the hat, complete with intricate decorations and what appears to be a camera or similar device, adds a layer of intrigue and personal expression to the piece. Critic Louis Vauxcelles famously described the paintings of Matisse and his associates as "Donatello among the wild beasts," coining the term Fauvism.
Notable elementsdynamic brushstrokesintricate hat designbold colors
Henri MatisseFauvism
1909–1910Oil on canvas260 × 391 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
Emerging as a pivotal piece within the Fauvist (“wild beast”) aesthetic, this painting boldly rejects traditional naturalistic color in favor of expressive, non-representational hues. It reflects the burgeoning interest in Primitivism and non- Western art that influenced many early Modern artists.
Notable elementssimplified formscircular compositiondynamic energybold colors
1913Oil on canvas115 × 80 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
The composition is skillfully centered around a deep blue window frame, acting as a stage for two contrasting floral arrangements. Art historians also connect Matisse’s frequent use of goldfish (present in other works from this period) to themes of tranquility and peaceful contemplation – a desire to create “a soothing, calming influence on the mind,” as Matisse himself stated.
Notable elementsfloral arrangementslandscapewindow
1911Oil on canvas181 × 219.1 cmMOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City
The scene bursts with vivid colors, simplified forms, and dynamic lines, capturing the lively essence of a creative space filled with artistic energy. This artwork celebrates the vibrant inner world of an artist, emphasizing the joy and spontaneity of the creative process.
Notable elementssimplified formseclectic objectsvibrant interior scenebold colors
1905Oil on canvasArt Institute of Chicago
Several buildings occupy the middle ground, including one larger structure that dominates the central area. Two dogs are positioned within the frame; one is located near the center of the composition, while the other is situated toward the right side. The scene is an impression of the landscape viewed from the Île de Chatou, looking toward the village of Chatou on the mainland.
Henri MatisseFauvism
1913Oil on canvas94 × 83 cmThe Louvre, Paris
The central focus of this painting is a bowl filled with oranges and lemons, placed on a table adorned with a floral-patterned cloth. Matisse's style in "Basket with Oranges" is quintessentially Post-Impressionist, characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a focus on personal expression over realistic representation. This era saw Matisse at the forefront of the Fauvist movement, which emphasized the emotional power of color over realistic depiction.
Notable elementsdynamic compositionvibrant color palettebold, expressive brushwork
1905Oil on canvas81.3 × 100.3 cmNational Gallery of Art, Washington
The term 'Fauves' means 'wild beasts,' which refers to the bold use of color and expressive brushwork that characterized this style. Painted in 1905, this work exemplifies the style's emphasis on painterly qualities and strong color over representational values. Finally, Landscape at Collioure is significant for its place in Derain's oeuvre.
Notable elementsbold colorsloose brushwork
1910Oil on canvas260 × 391 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
Created in 1910, this vibrant artwork features several nude figures arranged in a dynamic circular composition, exuding energy and harmony. Painted during the height of the Fauvism movement, " Dance (II), Eremitaget" reflects Matisse's revolutionary approach to color and form. The intertwined figures in " Dance (II), Eremitaget" symbolize unity, harmony, and the celebration of the human form.
Notable elementssense of movementharmonycircular arrangement of figuresbright orange hues against deep blue background
1905Oil on canvas (presumed)41 × 33 cm
While not fully embracing the wilder aspects of later Fauve works, this portrait showcases Matisse’s deliberate departure from traditional representational painting. The chair itself acts as a framing device, emphasizing her presence while simultaneously suggesting a degree of containment. 1905 was a crucial year for Matisse and his contemporaries.
Notable elementsemotional weightloose brushstrokesbold use of complementary colors (blue/orange)mask-like face
André DerainFauvism
1905Oil on canvas46 × 34.9 cmTate Liverpool
Henri MatisseFauvism
1905Oil on canvas55 × 46 cmNational Gallery of Art, Washington
Instead, Fauvists sought to liberate color from its descriptive role, employing it as a powerful expressive force. While firmly rooted in Fauvism, “The Open Window” also reveals Matisse’s earlier influences. However, unlike the Impressionists' focus on capturing fleeting effects, Matisse uses light as a structural element, defining forms and enhancing the vibrancy of his colors.
Notable elementscatpotted plantsopen window with view of the oceanboats in window paintingvases
Albert MarquetFauvism
1919Oil on canvas98.5 × 98.5 cmCentre Pompidou, Paris
Oil on canvas
The artist’s approach is defined by several key characteristics: The use of bold, clashing hues that prioritize emotional intensity over literal representation. There is a palpable sense of warmth, achieved through a careful balance of intense tones that avoid the violence of earlier Fauvist experiments. Instead, the work seeks a poetic harmony, capturing the essence of the French spirit through a nuanced search for tone.
Oil on canvas/board
Created sometime during Miró’s formative period – though precise dating remains elusive – this work exemplifies his early exploration of Fauvism before he fully embraced Surrealism and abstraction. Born in Barcelona in 1893, Joan Miró was deeply connected to his Catalan heritage. The Ermita de Sant Joan d’Horta held a special significance for him as a place of personal reflection and artistic inspiration.
Notable elementssimplified formsthick impastoflattened perspectivebold color
Raoul DufyFauvism
1906Oil on canvas
The architecture of the seaside resort is not a solid weight but a surface for the colorful invasion of posters. This approach captures the essence of the Fauvist movement, where color is liberated from the duty of being realistic. This creates a visual friction that mirrors the bustling atmosphere of a French seaside resort.
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas81 × 100 cmMusée d'Orsay, Paris
“Charing Cross Bridge” is inextricably linked to the broader context of early 20th-century art. The Fauvist movement, emerging in France around 1905, represented a radical departure from Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Derain's work is now housed in prestigious collections such as the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., solidifying its place within art history.
Notable elementsvibrant colorsboats
Piet MondrianFauvism
1910Oil on canvas150 × 86 cmKunstmuseum Den Haag, The Hague
The windmill rises with a heavy, singular presence, its deep red body pressing upward against an expansive sky of saturated blue. The structure dominates the vertical space, viewed from a low angle that lends it a monumental, almost imposing scale. Thick, irregular lines define the structural beams of the sails, while the texture of the oil paint creates a physical depth across the canvas.
1910Oil on canvas125 × 97 cm
The matador is rendered with a striking intensity that commands the viewer's immediate attention. The painting sits at the intersection of several movements, blending the structural concerns of Cezannism with the uninhibited palette of the Fauves.
1907Oil on canvas (presumed)La Ciotat, France
Painted around 1907, this work predates his groundbreaking Cubist collaborations with Pablo Picasso, revealing an artist still finding his voice while absorbing the revolutionary spirit of early 20th-century art. The painting depicts a hillside scene near the coastal town of La Ciotat in Southern France. Born in 1882, Braque initially trained as a house painter before pursuing formal artistic education.
Notable elementsflattened perspectivedynamic compositionbold colorsthick impasto
1918Oil on canvas70 × 62 cmMusée National d'Art Moderne
Miró, heavily influenced by the radical color experiments of Matisse and Derain, abandons the constraints of naturalism in favor of emotional truth. As a cornerstone of early 20th-century visual culture, it represents a moment when the boundaries of art were being aggressively redrawn.
1908Oil on canvas180 × 220 cm
Henri Matisse, a renowned French artist, is celebrated for his contributions to the development of modern art. The composition of La Desserte rouge features a woman sitting at a table, surrounded by various fruits and flowers. Matisse's use of color and composition influenced a generation of artists, including Pablo Picasso, who was also a prominent figure in the Fauvist movement.
Marc ChagallFauvism
1933Oil & pastel102 × 169 cmTel-Aviv Museum
The painting immediately draws the eye with its muted palette – a deliberate departure from Chagall’s often vibrant Fauvist style – creating an atmosphere of contemplative stillness that mirrors the man's internal state. Painted in 1933, “Solitude” is inextricably linked to the rising tide of anti-Semitism sweeping across Europe.
Notable elementsgod's messengergoat
1911Oil on canvas143 × 194 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
To understand The Family of the Artist, one must first grasp the context of Fauvism. Emerging in early 20th-century France, this brief but impactful movement – meaning “wild beasts” – rejected traditional representational painting. The Family of the Artist is a pivotal work in Matisse’s oeuvre and a defining example of Fauvism.
Notable elementschess gamebold colorssimplified formsdomestic interior scene
1912Oil on canvas116 × 80 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
Entrance to the Casbah is a quintessential example of Fauvist painting. Entrance to the Casbah, alongside works like Landscape viewed from a Window and paintings by fellow Fauvist André Derain, such as Drying the Sails, cemented Matisse's place as a revolutionary figure in modern art.
Notable elementsred color schemearchway with white circleseated figureblue
1906Oil on canvasNational Gallery of Art, Washington
The painting immediately assaults the senses with its audacious palette – fiery reds clash with intense blues and greens, punctuated by yellows and ochres, creating an almost hallucinatory effect. Derain’s early experiments with color, influenced by his time in Collioure, Mediterranean France, where he painted alongside Matisse, laid the groundwork for this bold new style. The Charing Cross itself has a long and storied history, representing the intersection of life and death, faith and reason.
Notable elementsbold colorsdistortion
1898Oil on canvas
Initially, Matisse was drawn to the meticulous realism favored by the Académie Julian and École Nationale des Beaux-Arts. However, a transformative experience during his convalescence following an appendectomy in 1889 ignited a new passion: color. “Still Life with Oranges” is considered a cornerstone of the Fauvist movement. While Matisse himself resisted assigning specific symbolic meanings to his paintings, “Still Life with Oranges” undeniably carries a sense of optimism and vitality.
Notable elementssimplified formsbold colors
Kazimir MalevichFauvism
191152 × 51 cm
Measuring 52 x 51 cm, this work offers a glimpse into Malevich's early explorations beyond traditional representation, hinting at the radical innovations that would soon define his Suprematist style. Instead, Malevich embraces the heightened color palette and simplified forms characteristic of Fauvism – a style he encountered during a transformative trip to Paris in 1912.
1908Oil painting
Flanking him are companions, their presence suggesting camaraderie forged through shared trials. While some might draw comparisons to the expressive freedom of Fauvism or the simplicity of Naive Art, Parrish imbues his work with a distinct, almost dreamlike glow.
André DerainFauvism
1905Oil on canvas82 × 101 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
To truly appreciate “Drying the Sails,” it's crucial to understand the context of Fauvism. Artists like Derain, Matisse, and Maurice de Vlaminck embraced bold, non-naturalistic colors – often using them purely for their expressive qualities. Technically, Derain employed loose, expressive brushstrokes—a hallmark of Fauvist painting.
Notable elementsbold colorsloose brushwork
Georges BraqueCubist Fauvism
1908Oil on canvas
In the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France, a revolution was quietly brewing, captured forever in the vibrant strokes of Georges Braque’s Viaduct at L’Estaque. By simplifying forms into geometric essentials, Braque echoes the influence of Paul Cézanne, yet he pushes further, allowing his planes to tilt and shift with a newfound, expressive freedom.
Henri MatisseFauvism
1909Oil on canvas33 × 40 cmMuseum of Grenoble
The painting centers around a woman seated gracefully on what appears to be a weathered rock or piece of driftwood – an element that grounds the figure within a naturalistic setting. Crucially, Matisse was deeply influenced by Paul Cézanne, whose emphasis on geometric forms and the underlying structure of objects laid the groundwork for Cubism.
Notable elementsbirdssurfboard
1919Oil on canvas
The stylistic roots of Portrait of a Spanish Dancer lie firmly within the Fauvist movement, which swept through Europe in the early 20th century. Artists like Matisse and Derain championed the use of arbitrary color to express emotion rather than represent reality. To fully appreciate Portrait of a Spanish Dancer, one must understand Miró’s deep connection to his native Catalonia.
Georges BraqueFauvism
1908
While initially categorized within Fauvism due to its vibrant color palette, Large Nude simultaneously foreshadows Braque’s pivotal role in developing Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso. Braque's engagement with Fauvism is evident in the painting’s bold use of color. Influenced by Paul Cézanne’s late works—particularly his emphasis on geometric structure and multiple perspectives— Braque began to question traditional representational techniques.
Notable elementsenergetic brushstrokesreclining nude womanbold colors
Henri MatisseFauvism
1917Oil on canvasFondation Barnes, Philadelphia
Notably, Matisse includes his own artistic presence through paintings visible on the wall – Woman on a High Stool—and musical instruments like his violin, suggesting his role as an observer and orchestrator of this domestic scene. Painted during World War I, La Leçon de Musique offers a poignant contrast to the surrounding turmoil.
Notable elementsfamily portraitpiano
1905Oil on canvas40 × 32 cmStatens Museum for Kunst
At the heart of this artwork is Amélie Noellie Matisse -Parayre, Henri Matisse’s beloved wife. The most striking element is the vertical green stripe that bisects Madame Matisse’s face – " La Raie Verte " (The Green Line). Painted during a period of artistic upheaval, "Portrait de Madame Matisse " reflects the burgeoning modernist movement’s rejection of traditional art conventions.
Henri MatisseFauvism
1911Oil on canvasMoMA, New York
The painting firmly establishes Matisse as a pivotal figure in Fauvism, a movement that rejected academic conventions and championed unrestrained chromatic intensity. Influenced by Cézanne’s exploration of form and Impressionist explorations of light, Matisse pushed boundaries further, prioritizing emotional impact over meticulous realism.
Notable elementsbold red hue
1906Oil on canvas61 × 73 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
This painting isn’t about meticulously recreating reality, but rather about expressing emotion through the unrestrained power of color. The scene depicts an intimate domestic setting – a table laden with everyday objects: porcelain dishes, glass bottles, fruit (most notably an apple), and a casually placed knife.
Notable elementsbottlecupknifebold colorsred
Louis ValtatFauvism
1906Oil on canvas
A woman sits upon the earth, her figure anchored amidst a lush, natural setting. The artist employs a technique that bridges the gap between structured form and expressive pigment: Created in 1906, this work reflects the radical shifts occurring in the French art world during this period. By synthesizing the structural lessons of Cézanne with a liberated palette, the artist achieves a sense of immediacy.
193380 × 89 cm
Kazimir MalevichFauvism
1910Gouache27 × 26 cmTretyakov Gallery, Moscow
Born from a reaction against Impressionism’s focus on capturing fleeting moments of light, Fauvism embraced the deliberate distortion of color for expressive effect. While firmly rooted in Fauvism, Malevich’s work is already hinting at his later development of Suprematism – an even more radical movement that sought to eliminate all representational elements from art. To understand “Self-Portrait,” it's crucial to situate it within the broader context of Post-Impressionism. Artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin explored subjective experience, emotional intensity, and symbolic meaning in their work. Malevich's Fauvist tendencies align with this broader trend toward greater expressiveness and experimentation within the Post-Impressionist landscape.
Notable elementsred tiebold colors
191150 × 71 cm
The painting Landscape by Moonlight II by Jan Sluyters is a beautiful representation of the Fauvism style, characterized by its bold and vibrant colors. The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and other notable museums have works by Jan Sluyters in their collections, showcasing his contribution to the world of art.
1925Oil on canvas130 × 98 cmCentre Pompidou, Paris
The influence of Art Deco is evident in the geometric patterns and stylized forms that dominate the background, mirroring the streamlined aesthetic popular during the 1920s. Simultaneously, there’s a subtle nod to Proto- Cubism – a transitional phase between Impressionism and Cubism – in the simplification of shapes and the flattening of perspective.
Notable elementsbold colorsgeometric shapes
Georges RouaultFauvism
Raoul DufyFauvism
1930Oil, canvas130 × 160 cm
The composition centers on a blue gate, accented with red, positioned amidst a landscape of trees. Two figures inhabit the space: one positioned to the left of the gate and another further back on the right. Executed in 1930, the work reflects a specific approach to light and form.
Joan MiróCubism and Fauvism
1916Oil on cardboard77 × 74 cm
Miró’s “Still Life with Rose” is firmly rooted in the tenets of Fauvism, a movement that prioritized color as the primary means of expression. For those seeking a deeper understanding of this remarkable painting and the artist behind it, resources such as Wikipedia and the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona offer invaluable insights.
Notable elementsgeometric shapesbold colors
1906Oil on canvasMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Executed on canvas using oil paints, “The House Behind the Trees” exemplifies Braque's meticulous attention to detail. Painted during the formative years of Fauvism and Proto- Cubism, “The House Behind the Trees” encapsulates the anxieties and aspirations of artists grappling with the rapid transformations occurring in European society. Gain a comprehensive understanding of Proto- Cubism’s theoretical underpinnings and its influence on subsequent artists.
193297 × 80 cm
Raoul DufyFauvism
A single woman sits beneath the reach of a palm tree, seeking refuge from the heat. The scene is a quiet arrangement of tropical stillness. Two chairs sit empty on either side, waiting for a conversation that has already passed or has yet to begin.
Joan MiróFauvism
1923Oil on canvas81 × 65 cmMusée National d'Art Moderne, Paris
This piece isn't about representing reality; it’s about evoking a feeling, a memory, or perhaps even a dream associated with rural existence. Created during a period of intense artistic experimentation in the early 20th century, The Farmer’s Wife reflects the seismic shifts occurring within the art world. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris.
Notable elementscatdogsclockbowlspoon
1914Oil on canvas147 × 97 cmCentre Pompidou, Paris
Accompanying the fishbowl is a vase, adding to the still-life composition. Three chairs are strategically placed around the room—one near the left side and two closer to the right—creating a sense of spatial depth. This period in Matisse's career saw him moving away from some of the more aggressive aspects of Fauvism towards a more refined and decorative style.
1890Oil on canvas38 × 45 cm
This intimate scene, measuring just 38 x 45 cm, belies a depth of artistic consideration that foreshadows the revolutionary style Matisse would come to define. While often overshadowed by his later, more boldly colored works, this piece reveals crucial foundations in his development as one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
Notable elementsbookscandle
André DerainFauvism
1907Oil on canvas
The subject matter focuses on a landscape setting located in Cassis, France. His later output also includes Harlequin and Pierrot, a work from 1924 that reflects a shift in his stylistic direction following his earlier experimental years. The Cypresses at Cassis Landscape near Cassis (Paysage aux environs de Cassis) Harlequin and Pierrot The oil on canvas painting is currently held within the collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Henri MatisseFauvism
1916Oil on canvas146 × 97 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
It represents a crucial moment in Matisse's artistic evolution – a deliberate shift away from the rigid academic traditions he initially studied towards an expressive language rooted in pure color and form. The painting’s power lies not just in its visual beauty but also in its exploration of themes like harmony, balance, and the very nature of pictorial space. Matisse's technique is characterized by loose, expressive brushstrokes – a hallmark of Fauvism.
Notable elementsbold colorsflat forms
1906Oil on canvasMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Houses of Parliament at Night is a quintessential example of Fauvist technique. Derain employs an audacious palette—deep blues, fiery oranges, and intense greens—that defy the expected tones of a London night.
Notable elementsboatslightsclock
Raoul DufyFauvism
1905Oil65 × 81 cm
The painting titled The River is an oil on canvas work by the artist Raoul Dufy. This specific piece measures 65 x 81 cm in size. It was executed about 1905, a period during which the artist's approach to color and form was undergoing significant development.
1906Oil on canvas89 × 116 cmMusée National d'Art Moderne
This artwork is deeply rooted in the Fauvist movement, which translates to "wild beasts." Matisse was a leading figure in this revolutionary art style that emerged around 1905. Matisse’s work was heavily influenced by the late paintings of Paul Cézanne, particularly those exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in 1904.
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas73 × 92 cm
The painting depicts a wooded area with trees displaying a range of colors, from orange and yellow to red. This style is reminiscent of other Fauvist works, such as The Turning Road, L'Estaque by André Derain, available on AllPaintingsStore.com. Additionally, Wikipedia.org provides detailed insights into the life and works of André Derain, including his role in the development of Fauvism.
André DerainFauvism
1907Oil on canvas132 × 195 cm
The very air around the canvas seems charged with the energy of bold pigment. Derain, a key figure alongside Henri Matisse, harnessed this nascent movement to break violently with academic tradition.
1905Oil on canvas46 × 55 cmMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Two figures—likely Matisse’s wife Amélie and André Derain —are subtly integrated into the scene, adding depth and human presence without disrupting the painting's harmonious balance.
Maurice de VlaminckFauvism
1926
The painting portrays a winding road leading towards a village nestled amongst rolling hills, under a sky heavy with dramatic clouds. In "The Road," this is evident in the striking contrast between the deep blues of the sky, the vibrant yellows and reds of the houses, and the earthy tones of the road itself.
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas100 × 81 cmNational Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen
The painting’s creation coincided with a period of intense experimentation within the Parisian art scene. Inspired by the works of Paul Gauguin, particularly his use of vibrant color in Tahiti, and influenced by the emerging theories of color perception championed by Chevreul, Derain and Matisse embarked on a radical exploration of chromatic intensity.
Notable elementsbold colorstriangular comp
1905Oil on canvas35.2 × 28.2 cmMOMA - Museum of Modern Art, New York City
At first glance, the painting presents a seemingly simple scene: a woman, her back turned towards us, occupies the central space. The inclusion of birds, often symbols of freedom and spirituality in Japanese art, adds another layer of symbolic meaning.
Notable elementsdynamic brushstrokesbold colors
1905Oil on canvas46 × 55 cmMusée Matisse, Cateau-Cambrésis
At first glance, the scene appears deceptively simple: a red brick wall anchors the background, providing a solid foundation for the lively activity unfolding before it. "Rue du Soleil" emerged during a period of immense artistic ferment. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a rapid shift away from the academic traditions of the past, as artists sought new ways to represent the world around them.
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on panel66 × 99 cmMusee d'Art Moderne de Troyes
Far removed from the muted tones of academic tradition, Derain employs colors with an almost primal intensity—the hallmark of Fauvism. Understanding Hyde Park requires an appreciation for its historical moment.
Maurice de VlaminckFauvism
1921Oil on canvas
Created about 1921, this piece reflects a specific period in the artist's life when he resided at Castel Gandolfo. This picturesque location is situated south-east of Rome, offering a landscape that deeply influenced his perspective during his time in Italy. Castel Gandolfo itself holds a significant place in the region, serving as the summer residence of the Pope.
1905Oil on canvasStatens Museum for Kunst
The painting depicts Amélie Noellie Matisse -Parayre, Henri’s wife, presented in a strikingly direct manner. Following his controversial exhibitions at the Salon d'Automne in Paris, where works like “Woman with a Hat” were met with derision and labeled "wild beasts," Matisse embraced a radical approach to color – one that prioritized emotional expression over naturalistic representation.
Notable elementsgreen stripebold colors
1906Oil on canvas
The man sits firmly in his chair, his hands resting upon his knees in a pose that suggests a sudden, unexpected pause in a formal afternoon. There is a flicker of mischief in his eyes, a slight distortion of his features that hints at a joke shared just out of sight. Created in 1906, this portrait emerges from a period of radical experimentation.
1911Oil on canvas
This vibrant still life masterwork captures a lively arrangement of everyday objects infused with artistic vitality. At its center, a pristine white vase brimming with lush green foliage commands attention, surrounded by an array of ripe fruits and intricately patterned textiles. Created in 1911, this piece exemplifies Henri Matisse’s pioneering Fauvist style, characterized by bold, expressive colors and liberated brushwork.
Notable elementsexpressive linesdecorative patternsvibrant palettebold colors
Classification
Fauvism98 · 1890–1933
Cubism and Fauvism1 · 1916–1916
Cubist Fauvism1 · 1908–1908
Collections
Of the 100 works, 7 are held in Paris, including 4 at the Pushkin State Museum.
Musée National d'Art Moderne
Tretyakov Gallery
MoMA
Musée National d'Art Moderne
Statens Museum for Kunst
La Ciotat
Artists cited
1869–1954 · France · 28
French Fauvist known for vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and expressive cut-paper collages that transformed his later years of illness.
1. Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life), 2. Woman with a Hat, 3. The Dance, 4. Landscape Viewed from a Window, 5. L'Atelier rouge Huile sur Toile - (181x219), 7. Basket with Oranges, 9. Dance (II), Eremitaget, 10. Portrait of Mme. Matisse, 12. The Open Window, 22. La Desserte rouge Huile sur Toile St Petersbourg, 24. The Family of the Artist, 25. Entrance to the Casbah, 27. Still Life with Oranges, 35. Pink Nude, 40. La Leçon de musique, 41. Portrait de Madame Matisse, 42. The Red Studio, 43. Dishes and Fruit on a Red and Black Carpet, 53. Decorative Figure on an Ornamental Background, 69. Interior with Goldfish, 73. Still Life with Books and Candle, 76. The Goldfish, 80. Still Life with a Red Rug, 85. Landscape at Collioure, 88. Japanese Woman at Seashore, 91. Rue du soleil Huile sur Toile, 96. Madame Matisse, the Green Line, 99. Spanish Still Life (Seville II)
1876–1958 · France · 16
French Fauvist known for vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and energetic, thick brushwork that captures landscapes and scenes with raw emotion.
6. Houses at Chatou, 33. Southampton, 36. Man Smoking a Pipe, 39. Restaurant de la Machine at Bougival, 65. The Chatou Bridge, 71. Banks of the Seine to Carrières-sur-Seine, 75. Village, 77. Portrait of Madeleine, 81. Portrait of a Woman, 83. Banks of the Seine at Chatou, 86. The Road, 89. Paysage de Valmondois, 92. The Girl from Rat Mort, 94. The gardener, 97. Tugboat on the Seine, Chatou, 100. The Oise at Sergy
1880–1954 · France · 15
French Fauvist known for riotous colorism in Collioure landscapes and bold, vibrant depictions of the Thames and London cityscapes.
8. Landscape at Collioure, 11. Portrait of Matisse, 17. Charing Cross Bridge, 26. Charing Cross from SW, 31. Drying the Sails, 70. Untitled, 74. Cassis, 78. Houses of Parliament at Night, 82. L'Estaque, 84. Bathers, 87. Woman in a Chemise, 90. Jeune Fille, 93. Hyde Park, 95. Road to Castel Gandolfo, 98. Portrait of Lucien Gilbert
1877–1953 · France · 7
French Fauvist known for a stenographic style of thin color washes depicting yachting regattas and elegant social gatherings.
16. Posters at Trouville, 32. Sailing-Boats in Troville, 54. Factory in Estaque, 59. The Grid, 66. The small palm tree, 72. Sainte-Adresse beach, 79. The River
1893–1983 · Spain · 5
Spanish Surrealist known for biomorphic shapes and a symbolic, dreamlike visual language that bridges the gap between the seen and the imagined.
15. Ermita de Sant Joan d'Horta, 21. Portrait of Hiberto Casany. (The Chauffeur), 37. Portrait of a Spanish Dancer, 60. Still Life with Rose, 67. The Farmer's Wife
1876–1956 · Ukraine · 5
A key figure of the Jack of Diamonds movement, he mastered Fauvism and Socialist Realism.
19. Matador Manuel Gartha, 50. A boy with a cock, 57. Katya with a dog, 63. Katya on the lap (a nurse), 68. Pushkin at the Mikhailovsky
1879–1965 · France · 4
This French Expressionist painter (1879-1965) captured Marseille & the Mediterranean with bold color.
14. Place Aux Herbes in Saint-tropez, 48. La Place Du Marché, Toulon, 56. The Steeple of Saint Tropez and Conche, 61. Le Canal de La Douane À Marseille
Notes
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Henri Matisse's Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) (1906) is the most famous Fauvism painting and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Henri Matisse's Woman with a Hat (1905), Henri Matisse's The Dance (1909–1910, Hermitage Museum) and Henri Matisse's Landscape Viewed from a Window (1913, Pushkin State Museum).
The 10 most famous Fauvism paintings are Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) (Henri Matisse), Woman with a Hat (Henri Matisse), The Dance (Henri Matisse), Landscape Viewed from a Window (Henri Matisse), L'Atelier rouge Huile sur Toile - (181x219) (Henri Matisse), Houses at Chatou (Maurice de Vlaminck), Basket with Oranges (Henri Matisse), Landscape at Collioure (André Derain), Dance (II), Eremitaget (Henri Matisse) and Portrait of Mme. Matisse (Henri Matisse).
Judged by this ranking, Henri Matisse: 28 of the 100 most famous Fauvism paintings are from this painter's hand, including Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life), Woman with a Hat and The Dance.
Ranked by the number of their works among the 100 most famous Fauvism paintings: Henri Matisse (28), Maurice de Vlaminck (16), André Derain (15), Raoul Dufy (7) and Joan Miró (5).
With 4 of the 100, the Pushkin State Museum comes first, followed by the Centre Pompidou (4) and the Hermitage Museum (3); Paris has 7 in all.
Most of them are in Paris (7), Moscow (5) and Saint Petersburg (4). The museums with the most are the Pushkin State Museum, the Centre Pompidou and the Hermitage Museum.
61 of the 100 are oil paintings, 0 use tempera and 0 are frescoes; 1 are painted on wood and 56 on canvas.
The earliest is Henri Matisse's Still Life with Books and Candle (1890) (1890); the latest, Marc Chagall's Solitude (1933, Tel-Aviv Museum) (1933).
Henri Matisse's The Dance (1909–1910, Hermitage Museum), 260 × 391 cm. The smallest is Kazimir Malevich's Self-Portrait (1910, Tretyakov Gallery), 27 × 26 cm.
Each painting is ranked by how widely it is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once, and details, copies and studies are left out.
62 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $177, and 62 as a canvas print, from $42.
Reproductions
Hand-painted reproductions of 62 works in this list are available from $177.
Scope: the Fauvism paintings recorded in the WikiOO.org catalogue. Order: how well known each painting is, measured three ways — the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it, its editorial rank and the visits to its page. A work recorded several times is counted once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
Famous Impressionism paintings
Water Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintings
Las Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintings
Liberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintings
Nighthawks · Edward Hopper
Famous Post-Impressionism paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintings
The Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintings
The Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Neoclassicism paintings
Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Symbolism paintings
The Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintings
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintings
The Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
500–1000
Famous Early Medieval paintings
The Night Revels of Han Xizai · Gu Hongzhong
1000–1300
Famous High Medieval paintings
Crucifix · Cimabue
1300–1400
Famous Late Medieval paintings
Our Lady of the Don · Theophanes the Greek
1400–1600
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
1600–1800
Famous Early Modern paintings
The Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
1800–1900
Famous 19th Century paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
1900–1980
Famous Modern paintings
Guernica · Pablo Picasso
1980–
Famous Contemporary paintings
Girl with Balloon · Banksy
