Artwork Information

André Derain was a close friend and colleague of Matisse. They became members of the Fauves (wild beasts) group, a term referring to their use of brilliant colour. In 1907 he and Braque joined Picasso's circle of aquaintances, although Derain's ongoing use of direct historicism always set him apart from the Cubists stylistically. He illustrated many books throughout his career, including Rabelais' Pantagruel and Petronius' Satyricon, as well as works by contemporary poets.