Henri Matisse and the Fauves: A Scandal in Color

This course examines the origins and radical impact of the Fauves—a short-lived yet transformative movement led by Henri Matisse that broke free from realism and ushered in a new freedom and expressionism in art. We explore the historical circumstances surrounding the 1905 Salon d’Automne exhibition, where Matisse shocked critics with Femme au chapeau (Woman with a Hat). Painted in raucous colors and unconventional brushstrokes, his portrait of his wife—alongside similarly bold works by a small circle of artists—earned the group the derisive moniker Fauves, or Wild Beasts. This course uses the Hybrid format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for 30 days.