Fauvism definition

1905-1908

Fauvism was the fore-runner of the avant-garde movements that sprung up in Europe during the 20th century.  Unnatural, bright, often unusual combinations were put together in this movement’s artwork.  The underlying current of the movement was expressionistic.  Distorted landscapes filled with color was typical.  The name “Fauvism” was coined when a critic was commenting on a sculpture located in the same space of the group’s first exhibition.  The critic’s disdainful comment of, “Donatello among the wild beasts!” caught on and was gladly accepted by the Fauvist artists.  Key artists in the movement include Rouault, Derain, Vlaminck, Braque, Dufy and Matisse.