Henri Matisse (1869-1954)

A major artist of the 20th century, his influence on the art of the second half of the century is considerable through the use of simplification, stylisation, synthesis and colour as the sole subject of painting, both for the many figurative and abstract painters who will claim to be his and his discoveries. He was the leader of fauvism. From Pablo Picasso, who was his friend and considered him his great rival, to Andy Warhol who "wanted to be Matisse", all 20th century painters were confronted with Matisse's fame and genius.