André Derain, a founding figure of Fauvism, is renowned for his vibrant use of colour and dynamic compositions that reshaped early 20th-century painting. If you’re looking for original André Derain prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.
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Born in 1880 in Chatou, France, André Derain initially studied to become an engineer but shifted his focus to art in the late 1890s. He met Henri Matisse in Paris, together co-founding the Fauvist movement after enrolling at Académie Julian. Derain's early works, characterised by their bold colours and simplified forms, epitomised the radical break from traditional representation that Fauvism depicted.
After Fauvism, Derain continued to explore different styles, influenced by the works of Cézanne and Cubism. He briefly experimented with cubist techniques before reverting to a more classical style, focusing on traditional subjects such as still life, landscapes, and portraits. This stylistic shift reflected his desire to return to the classical traditions of painting.
Derain’s experimentation was short-lived, and by the 1920s, Derain had adopted a more traditional style, known as “return to order.” This change reflected a broader cultural movement of the time, seeking to restore classical principles after the upheaval of World War I. Derain drew inspiration from Renaissance art and classical antiquity, creating serene landscapes, portraits, and still lifes that showcased his remarkable technical skill and appreciation for form and composition.
His experimentation with Fauvism may have been short-lived, but his later works exemplified a mastery that placed him among the leading figures of 20th-century art. Derain's work during this period embodied a calm and balanced aesthetic, contrasting the explosive colours and bold forms of his earlier works.
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