Matisse; Colors Of Pre-War Europe

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Lauren Johnson September 26, 2011 HST 355 Matisse; Colors of Pre-War Europe Many social and artistic changes occurred in the early 20th century and set the precedents of pre-war Europe. The Fauvist movement spearheaded by the works of Henri Matisse was a building block of neo-impressionism and modern avant-garde art culture. The fauvist works created by Matisse best depicted pre-war European society due to the dynamic approach to not only the fauvist movement as a whole, but the ideals portrayed in the art by the artist and the telling interpretation of the works. The Fauvist movement not only was telling of European society as a whole, but also was a predictor for future movements such as cubism and modern avant-garde. Europe prior to WW1 is often described as the “golden age,” a time defined by an abundance of consumerism and imperialistic ideals. However there were also undercurrents of discontent and apprehensiveness that flowed hand in hand with the coming of modernity. New mediums of entertainment and leisurely activities were coming to light such as new sporting events and amusement parks. Among one of the most noteworthy were the Expositions of the early 20th century, which bragged of the new technologies of the time and the imperialist and consumer values that were being exalted. However under the grandeur of the newness surrounding early 20th century Europe there were also feelings of discord being raised. Social theorists and philosophers felt a new age was steadily approaching and that psychological change had to be made at not only personal levels but societal levels as well, theories of anarchism, futurism and Marxism expressed a growing discontent with many aspects of society new and old. All of these theories, trends and changes were depicted and interpreted in the works of Henri Matisse and the Fauvists and set the social canvas for the
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