André Derain

This vibrant portrait captures André Derain, a fellow French artist and co-founder of Fauvism, in 1906. The painting shows Derain with a pipe, his face a striking blend of greens, yellows, and reds, characteristic of the Fauvist style. Instead of naturalistic skin tones, Maurice uses bold, unmixed colors directly from the tube, creating a sense of raw energy and immediacy. The background, a swirl of blues and purples, further emphasizes the experimental approach, pushing beyond traditional representation. This work was created during a pivotal moment for both artists, just after their groundbreaking display at the Salon d'Automne, where their use of "wild beasts" colors shocked critics and launched a new movement.