Fauvism emerged as the first avant-garde movement of the 20th century and between 1904 and 1908, it set the tone in the Paris art scene, where its impact endured long into the future.
The term Fauves (“wild beasts”), was bestowed on the group in 1905 by art critic Louis Vauxcelles. Intended to characterize a group of artists little known prior to 1905 and their expressive approach to the application of color, its striking, often virulent color schemes, as well as the rejection of naturalistic renderings of local colors.
Matisse, Derain and Vlaminck were the first to conduct such revolutionary experiments in color, later joined by Braque, Dufy and van Dongen, among others. This comprehensive exhibition shows the Fauves’ outstanding features and unravels work by artists Émilie Charmy and Marie Laurencin. Also, and for the first time, it provides insights into the trade in Fauvist art, a trade in which gallerist Berthe Weill was to play a decisive role.
