Fauvism

Fauvism was a brief but influential movement in the early twentieth century. Pure colours were placed directly against one another, shadows might be green or blue, and perspective and volume were subordinated to the image's overall colour rhythm.

When Fauvism is used as a style label, it points to a family of formal qualities and ideas rather than a fixed recipe. Periods and movements overlap, and a single work may draw on several styles.

The label becomes more precise when considered alongside date, composition, colour, materials and historical context. A style can inspire work long after its original period, so appearance alone does not date an object.