Fauvism was a brief,
vigorous reaction by French
artists in the early 20th centruy against
the conservatism of the artistic establishment. Its main component was Matisse, its main weapon colour. To Matisse, colour transmitted intensity of feeling. The style got its name when a group of painters, which included Maurice Vlaminck and Andre Derain, had embraced Matisse’s approach and exhibited works in Paris in 1905

(And I have to admit I LOVE this artwork