The Red Room by Matisse

Name: The Red Room (Harmony in Red)
Artist's Name: Henri Matisse
Date: 1908-1909
Period: Fauvism
Material: Oil on canvas

For Matisse and the Fauves color was the formal element most responsible for pictorial coherence and the primary conveyor of meaning. The theory behind these color discoveries can be found in Red Room. The scene is the interior of a comfortable, prosperous household with a maid setting a table with wine and fruit. The color selections generate a feeling of warmth and comfort, while contrasting richly and intensely. This painting was originally done in green and then blue before being covered with the red that fit Matisse's intention of provoking an emotional resonance in the viewer.