Art History for Kids: Fauvism

Fauvism (pronounced foe-vi-zum) was a revolutionary art movement of the early 20th century that emerged in Paris, France. It was heavily influenced by Post-Impressionism, particularly the use of bold, vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes. Another key influence was Symbolism, which emphasised an artist’s internal vision and emotional expression over literal representation.

Crockery on a Table by Henri Matisse | Image Source: en.wikipedia.org Origin of the Term The term ‘Fauvism’ comes from the French word ‘fauve’, meaning ‘wild beast’. It was first used in 1905, during an exhibition in Paris, where a group of artists presented their radical new paintings.