André Derain, a French artist, painter, and sculptor, was born on June 10, 1880, in Chatou, Yvelines, Île-de-France, just outside Paris. He is renowned for co-founding Fauvism with Henri Matisse. Derain's artistic journey began in 1895 when he started studying on his own, contrary to claims that meeting Vlaminck or Matisse initiated his efforts to paint.
Early Career and Fauvism
In 1898, while studying to be an engineer at the Académie Camillo, Derain attended painting classes under
Eugène Carrière, where he met Matisse. In 1900, he shared a studio with
Maurice de Vlaminck and began painting scenes in the neighborhood. However, his military service from 1901 to 1904 interrupted this creative period.
After his release, Matisse persuaded Derain's parents to allow him to devote himself solely to painting. Derain attended the Académie Julian and worked with Matisse in the Mediterranean village of Collioure in 1905. Their innovative paintings, displayed at the Salon d'Automne, were dubbed "les Fauves" (the wild beasts) by critic
Louis Vauxcelles, marking the start of the Fauvist movement.
Notable Works and Later Career
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London Paintings (1906): Derain's 30 paintings, including 29 extant works, presented a fresh and quintessentially English portrait of London. These bold, colorful compositions, such as those featuring the Thames and Tower Bridge, remain among his most popular work.
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Stone Sculpture and Montmartre (1907): Derain experimented with stone sculpture and moved to Montmartre, influencing his shift from Fauvist palette to more muted tones, reflecting Cubism and
Paul Cézanne's influence.
- Fauvism Art Movement: Discover the early 20th-century modern art movement that emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over realistic values.
- André Derain's Artworks: Explore the 309 artworks by André Derain, including his Fauvist masterpieces and later, more subdued works.
- Henri Matisse's The Coast of Collioure: View the Post-Impressionist oil on panel artwork by Henri Matisse, a fellow Fauvist and close collaborator of Derain.
Derain's legacy as a pioneer of Fauvism continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with his works remaining a testament to the innovative spirit of early 20th-century modern art.