Famous paintings · Fauvism
1898 – 1930
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. Below, all 100 of them — painted from 1898 to 1930 by 16 artists — with their date, their size and the museum that keeps them.
The ranking
Ranked by how widely each painting is known. The artist, the date, the size of the original, the museum that holds it today — and one detail to look for.
1906Oil on canvas
Henri Matisse’s Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life), painted in 1906, is a landmark achievement in early modern art and a cornerstone of the Fauvist movement. 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”). The painting caused a sensation (and some scandal) at the 1906 Salon des Indépendants, challenging conventional artistic norms and paving the way for further abstraction in 20th-century art.
Look forunconventional compositiondreamlike atmospherevibrant colorsfragmented forms
Henri MatisseFauvism
1905Oil on canvas
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.
Look fordynamic 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.
Look forbold colorssimplified formscircular compositiondynamic energy
1913Oil on canvas115 × 80 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
“Landscape Viewed from a Window” is a quintessential example of Fauvism – a short-lived but immensely influential movement characterized by its bold, non-naturalistic use of color. Interestingly, Matisse’s son, Pierre, later became a prominent art dealer in New York, further cementing the family’s legacy within the art world.
Look forlandscapewindowfloral arrangements
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. Executed with oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Fauvist commitment to color as a primary expressive tool. As a hallmark of Fauvism, it reflects a revolutionary approach to painting that prioritized emotional expression and visual harmony.
Look forvibrant interior scenebold colorssimplified formseclectic objects
1905Oil on canvasArt Institute of Chicago
These houses are surrounded by dense clusters of trees. 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. This location was a central hub for artists of the time, including those associated with the School of Chatou.
Henri MatisseFauvism
1913Oil on canvas94 × 83 cmThe Louvre, Paris
"Basket with Oranges" is a vibrant still life painting by Henri Matisse, created in 1913. 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. Created in 1913, "Basket with Oranges" reflects Matisse's ongoing exploration of color and form during a pivotal period in modern art.
Look forbold, expressive brushworkdynamic compositionvibrant color palette
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. Derain's work is known for its vibrant hues, simplified forms, and emotional intensity. The painting depicts the view from the French coastal town of Collioure, with its vibrant blues, greens, and yellows capturing the essence of the Mediterranean landscape.
Look forloose brushworkbold colors
1910Oil on canvas260 × 391 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
Matisse's use of bold, primary colors —particularly the striking orange figures against a deep blue background —creates a sense of vitality and energy. 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.
Look forbright orange hues against deep blue backgroundsense of movementharmonycircular arrangement of figures
1905Oil on canvas (presumed)41 × 33 cm
This artwork stands at the cusp of Fauvism, an artistic movement characterized by intensely vivid colors and simplified forms. While not fully embracing the wilder aspects of later Fauve works, this portrait showcases Matisse’s deliberate departure from traditional representational painting.
Look formask-like faceemotional weightloose brushstrokesbold use of complementary colors (blue/orange)
André DerainFauvism
1905Oil on canvas46 × 34.9 cmTate Liverpool
Henri MatisseFauvism
1905Oil on canvas55 × 46 cmNational Gallery of Art, Washington
While firmly rooted in Fauvism, “The Open Window” also reveals Matisse’s earlier influences. An early 20th-century art movement characterized by intense, non-naturalistic colors and bold brushwork.
Look forvasescatpotted plantsopen window with view of the ocean
Albert MarquetFauvism
1919Oil on canvas98.5 × 98.5 cmCentre Pompidou, Paris
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. The painting centers on the Ermita de Sant Joan d'Horta, a small hermitage nestled into the landscape, rendered not as a precise architectural study but as a powerful symbolic presence.
Look forsimplified formsthick impastoflattened perspectivebold color
Raoul DufyFauvism
1906Oil on canvas
In this 1906 oil on canvas, the horizon is replaced by a vertical rush of advertisements and urban energy. A crowd moves along the promenade of Trouville, their forms reduced to quick, gestural strokes that suggest the pulse of a summer afternoon. The architecture of the seaside resort is not a solid weight but a surface for the colorful invasion of posters.
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas81 × 100 cmMusée d'Orsay, Paris
Derain, a key figure in the movement alongside Matisse, sought to liberate color from its descriptive role, using it instead as a vehicle for pure emotion. The result is a painting that vibrates with life, demanding attention and refusing easy interpretation. “Charing Cross Bridge” is inextricably linked to the broader context of early 20th-century art.
Look forboatsvibrant colors
Piet MondrianFauvism
1910Oil on canvas150 × 86 cmKunstmuseum Den Haag, The Hague
Thick, irregular lines define the structural beams of the sails, while the texture of the oil paint creates a physical depth across the canvas. This approach reflects an early exploration of Fauvism, where color is liberated from its descriptive function to prioritize emotional impact.
1910Oil on canvas125 × 97 cm
The matador is rendered with a striking intensity that commands the viewer's immediate attention. These elements are handled with meticulous detail, providing a grounded realism that anchors the composition.
1907Oil on canvas (presumed)La Ciotat, France
The painting depicts a hillside scene near the coastal town of La Ciotat in Southern France. A modest building, perhaps a rural dwelling, is nestled amongst lush foliage. Born in 1882, Braque initially trained as a house painter before pursuing formal artistic education. The painting’s Fauvist aesthetic complements modern and contemporary décor styles, while its historical significance adds intellectual depth.
Look forflattened perspectivedynamic compositionbold colorsthick impasto
1918Oil on canvas70 × 62 cmMusée National d'Art Moderne
The portrait depicts Casany, a chauffeur, seated with a quiet, dignified presence. Miró, heavily influenced by the radical color experiments of Matisse and Derain, abandons the constraints of naturalism in favor of emotional truth. During this period, Miró was navigating the complex intersections of Cubism and the burgeoning Surrealist movement. 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
One of his most notable works, La Desserte rouge Huile sur Toile St Petersbourg, museum of the Hermitage, exemplifies the essence of Fauvism, a style characterized by vivid colors and energetic brushstrokes. The painting measures 180 x 220 cm and is housed at the Museum of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
1911Oil on canvas143 × 194 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
Emerging in early 20th-century France, this brief but impactful movement – meaning “wild beasts” – rejected traditional representational painting. Led by Matisse, Fauvist artists prioritized intense, non-naturalistic color and simplified forms to convey emotion and sensation. The Family of the Artist is a pivotal work in Matisse’s oeuvre and a defining example of Fauvism.
Look fordomestic interior scenechess gamebold colorssimplified forms
1912Oil on canvas116 × 80 cmPushkin State Museum, Moscow
Henri Matisse's Entrance to the Casbah (1912) transports viewers to a world steeped in exoticism and vibrant color. The painting doesn’t aim for photographic realism but rather seeks to capture the atmosphere, light, and emotional resonance of the Casbah. Entrance to the Casbah is a quintessential example of Fauvist painting.
Look forred color schemearchway with white circleseated figureblue
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. Emerging at the turn of the 20th century, this movement rejected the muted tones and academic conventions of the past. Technically, Derain employed loose, expressive brushstrokes—a hallmark of Fauvist painting.
Look forbold colorsloose brushwork
1898Oil on canvas
Initially, Matisse was drawn to the meticulous realism favored by the Académie Julian and École Nationale des Beaux-Arts. “Still Life with Oranges” is considered a cornerstone of the Fauvist movement. WahooArt offers meticulously crafted hand-painted reproductions of Henri Matisse’s "Still Life with Oranges," capturing the artist's signature style and vibrant palette with exceptional detail.
Look forsimplified formsbold colors
1908Oil painting
Flanking him are companions, their presence suggesting camaraderie forged through shared trials. The very title suggests a narrative rich with symbolism: Jason, the journeying hero, guided by his teacher.
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. Born in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, to a Polish family, Malevich absorbed the vibrant colors and patterns of Ukrainian folk art during his formative years.
1906Oil on canvasNational Gallery of Art, Washington
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.
Look fordistortionbold colors
Georges BraqueFauvism
1908
The artwork depicts a reclining nude female figure, enveloped in a sense of quiet intimacy and repose. 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.
Look forenergetic brushstrokesreclining nude womanbold colors
Henri MatisseFauvism
1909Oil on canvas33 × 40 cmMuseum of Grenoble
Crucially, Matisse was deeply influenced by Paul Cézanne, whose emphasis on geometric forms and the underlying structure of objects laid the groundwork for Cubism. This influence is evident in “Pink Nude’s” flattened perspective and simplified shapes.
Look forsurfboardbirds
Georges BraqueCubist Fauvism
1908Oil on canvas
Moving away from the delicate, fleeting light of the Impressionists, Braque embraced a heavy impasto, applying paint with a thick, textured urgency that gives the canvas a sculptural quality. 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.
1919Oil on canvas
The dancer herself is rendered with striking simplicity, her figure outlined in strong black lines and filled with blocks of intense red, a color deeply associated with both Spanish culture and the fervor of flamenco. To fully appreciate Portrait of a Spanish Dancer, one must understand Miró’s deep connection to his native Catalonia.
1905Oil on canvas40 × 32 cmStatens Museum for Kunst
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
1917Oil on canvasFondation Barnes, Philadelphia
Jean, his eldest son, appears absorbed in reading, while Matisse's wife, Amélie, sits somewhat detached near the window, engaged in knitting. Painted during World War I, La Leçon de Musique offers a poignant contrast to the surrounding turmoil. Paul Cézanne’s compositional structure, Japanese prints' decorative patterns, and the expressive use of color found in earlier Impressionist works.
Look forpianofamily portrait
1906Oil on canvas61 × 73 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg
It offers a glimpse into Matisse's evolving style during a pivotal year in his career, marking a significant departure from traditional representation. 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. Impasto, or thick application of paint, is evident, further emphasizing the materiality of the work. 1906 was a watershed year for Matisse. Matisse was experimenting with influences from Post-Impressionists like Van Gogh and Gauguin, but he pushed these ideas further, prioritizing pure color and expressive form over representational accuracy.
Look forvasesbowlsbottlecup
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. Created during a period of significant artistic upheaval, “The Red Studio” arrived on the heels of Picasso’s groundbreaking “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon,” marking a decisive shift away from traditional artistic approaches.
Look forbold red hue
Pyotr KonchalovskyFauvism
191292 × 72 cm
Kazimir MalevichFauvism
1910Gouache27 × 26 cmTretyakov Gallery, Moscow
To understand “Self-Portrait,” it's crucial to situate it within the broader context of Post-Impressionism. This movement, spanning from roughly 1886 to 1905, represented a diverse range of artistic approaches that reacted against Impressionism’s emphasis on capturing light and color. Artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin explored subjective experience, emotional intensity, and symbolic meaning in their work.
Look forred 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. Jan Sluyters was a Dutch painter who experimented with several styles, including Fauvism and Cubism, before settling on a colorful expressionism. 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
Matisse's work in 1925 reflects influences from several artistic currents. 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. Following the devastation of World War I, artists sought to express a renewed sense of optimism and joy through their work.
Look forgeometric shapesbold colors
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. The scene captures a quiet, momentary intersection of man-made geometry and the organic forms of nature.
1898Oil on canvas33.3 × 45.7 cm
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. Cubism, Futurism, and Surrealism were all vying for dominance, challenging traditional notions of representation. Today, his works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris.
Look forvasewoman with bucketcatdogs
1906Oil on canvasMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Yet, beneath its seemingly simple depiction lies a complex interplay of influences, notably Proto- Cubism, foreshadowing the revolutionary geometric explorations to come. The painting presents a tranquil yet unsettling scene—a modest house nestled amongst dense foliage. 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.
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.
Look forgeometric shapesbold colors
1914Oil on canvas147 × 97 cmCentre Pompidou, Paris
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.
André DerainFauvism
Centre Pompidou, Paris
1906Oil on canvasMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Born in Chatou, France, in 1880, Derain’s artistic trajectory wasn’t immediately defined by the grand salons of Paris. Houses of Parliament at Night is a quintessential example of Fauvist technique. The boats on the Thames shimmer with turquoise and emerald, reflecting the artificial light while simultaneously contributing to the overall sense of vibrant chaos.
Look forboatslightsclock
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. It exemplifies his mastery of Fauvist principles and his ability to transform everyday objects into powerful expressions of emotion and experience.
Look forbold colorsflat forms
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas100 × 81 cmNational Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen
This early immersion instilled an appreciation for the natural world that would later inform his bold use of color. Notably, Derain deliberately distorts the hand—a subtle yet powerful gesture that injects a sense of raw emotion and immediacy into the composition. Derain’s technique is characterized by an unrestrained use of color—a hallmark of Fauvism.
Look fortriangular compbold colors
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. The Fauvist movement itself challenged established artistic conventions and helped pave the way for subsequent modern art movements like Cubism and Expressionism.
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. The original dimensions of 66 x 99 cm provide an ideal scale for making a significant artistic statement on a wall.
1913Oil on canvasStatens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen
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 Road” firmly belongs within the Fauvist movement (roughly 1905-1908), a short but intensely influential period in modern art history. Unlike Impressionists who sought to capture the fleeting effects of light, Fauvist painters like Vlaminck, Henri Matisse, and André Derain employed color expressively, using it to convey emotion rather than representational accuracy.
André DerainFauvism
1905–1908
The early 20th century was a transformative period for modern art, with the emergence of various movements that challenged traditional techniques and aesthetics. At the forefront of this movement were artists like André Derain and Henri Matisse, who revolutionized the art world with their innovative styles. Collioure by André Derain is a quintessential example of Fauvist art, created in 1905.
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. However, “Japanese Woman at the Seashore” represents a significant shift – a conscious engagement with Japanese art and design. Interestingly, Matisse's fascination with Japan extended beyond mere stylistic imitation.
Look forbold colorsdynamic brushstrokes
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.
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. The balanced yet dynamic arrangement creates a sense of movement and rhythm, engaging the eye with its playful yet sophisticated layout. The work reflects the broader artistic shift towards abstraction and personal expression, aligning with the avant-garde spirit of the early 1900s.
Look forbold colorsexpressive linesdecorative patternsvibrant palette
André DerainFauvism
1906Oil on canvas73 × 92 cm
The painting L'Estaque by André Derain is a quintessential example of Fauvism, a style characterized by the use of bold, vibrant colors and energetic brushstrokes. Created in 1906, this oil on panel piece measures 73 x 92 cm and showcases Derain's unique ability to capture the essence of a scene through color and light.
1905Oil on canvasStatens Museum for Kunst
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.
Look forgreen stripebold 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.
By movement
Fauvism98 · 1898–1930
Cubism and Fauvism1 · 1916–1916
Cubist Fauvism1 · 1908–1908
Plan your visit
Paris leads with 7 of the 100; the Pushkin State Museum alone holds 4.
Musée National d'Art Moderne
Tretyakov Gallery
MoMA
Musée National d'Art Moderne
Statens Museum for Kunst
The painters
1869–1954 · France · 27
French Fauvist known for vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and expressive cut-paper collages.
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, 23. The Family of the Artist, 24. Entrance to the Casbah, 26. Still Life with Oranges, 34. Pink Nude, 39. Portrait de Madame Matisse, 40. La Leçon de musique, 41. Dishes and Fruit on a Red and Black Carpet, 42. The Red Studio, 52. Decorative Figure on an Ornamental Background, 69. Interior with Goldfish, 76. The Goldfish, 80. Still Life with a Red Rug, 85. Landscape at Collioure, 88. Japanese Woman at Seashore, 91. Spanish Still Life (Seville II), 96. Madame Matisse, the Green Line, 99. Rue du soleil Huile sur Toile
1876–1958 · France · 16
French Fauvist known for vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and energetic, thick brushwork.
6. Houses at Chatou, 33. Southampton, 36. Man Smoking a Pipe, 38. Restaurant de la Machine at Bougival, 64. The Chatou Bridge, 71. Portrait of Madeleine, 73. Village, 77. Banks of the Seine to Carrières-sur-Seine, 81. Portrait of a Woman, 83. Banks of the Seine at Chatou, 86. The Road, 89. Paysage de Valmondois, 93. 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 vibrant Collioure landscapes and bold, colorful London cityscapes.
8. Landscape at Collioure, 11. Portrait of Matisse, 17. Charing Cross Bridge, 25. Drying the Sails, 30. Charing Cross from SW, 70. Untitled, 74. Houses of Parliament at Night, 78. Woman in a Chemise, 82. Hyde Park, 84. The Two Sisters, Statens Museum för Kunst, Cope, 87. Collioure, 90. Bathers, 92. L'Estaque, 95. Portrait of Lucien Gilbert, 98. Jeune Fille
1877–1953 · France · 7
French Fauvist known for vibrant colors and a stenographic style capturing scenes of leisure.
16. Posters at Trouville, 31. Sailing-Boats in Troville, 53. The Grid, 58. Factory in Estaque, 65. The River, 72. The small palm tree, 79. Sainte-Adresse beach
1875–1947 · France · 5
French Fauvist known for atmospheric landscapes and serene port scenes using a muted palette.
13. Nude, 48. Paris, Le Pont de l'Institut, 57. Fruit, Knife and Napkin, 62. Fishing Boats Returning, Collioure, 67. Samois
1893–1983 · Spain · 5
Spanish Surrealist known for biomorphic shapes and a symbolic, dreamlike visual language.
15. Ermita de Sant Joan d'Horta, 21. Portrait of Hiberto Casany. (The Chauffeur), 37. Portrait of a Spanish Dancer, 60. The Farmer's Wife, 68. Still Life with Rose
1876–1956 · Ukraine · 5
A key figure of the Jack of Diamonds movement, he mastered Fauvism and Socialist Realism.
19. Matador Manuel Gartha, 49. San Gimignano, 56. Piazza della Signoria in Siena, 66. Katya with a dog, 75. Pushkin at the Mikhailovsky
Questions & answers
Hover over a question to read the answer.
No. 1 is Henri Matisse's Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) (1906). Next come 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).
In order: 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).
Henri Matisse leads the ranking with 27 of the 100 paintings, including Le bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life), Woman with a Hat and The Dance.
The Pushkin State Museum holds 4 of the 100, followed by the Centre Pompidou (4) and the Hermitage Museum (3). Paris is the city with the most: 7.
Start with Paris (7), Moscow (5) and Saint Petersburg (4): together they hold 16 of the 100, at the Pushkin State Museum, the Centre Pompidou and the Hermitage Museum.
The painters with the most works in this list are Henri Matisse (27), Maurice de Vlaminck (16), André Derain (15), Raoul Dufy (7) and Albert Marquet (5).
Henri Matisse's Still Life with Oranges (1898), dated 1898. The most recent is Raoul Dufy's The Grid (1930), dated 1930.
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.
55 of the 100 are oil paintings, 0 use tempera and 0 are frescoes; 1 are painted on wood and 52 on canvas.
Yes: 63 of the 100 can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction, from $181, and 63 as a canvas print, from $47.
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.
Bring one home
63 paintings of this list can be ordered as museum-grade, hand-painted oil reproductions, from $181.
We started with every Fauvism painting in our catalogue and ranked them by how famous they are. Three clues decide the order: in how many languages Wikipedia has an article about the painting, where our curators place it, and how often people open its page on our site. Each painting appears only once, and details, copies and studies are left out.
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 Neoclassicism paintings
Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintings
The Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintings
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
