Henri Matisse’s paintings are celebrated for their vibrant colour, bold forms and radical approach to composition. A leading figure of Fauvism, he rejected traditional shading and perspective, instead using pure, unmodulated colour to create structure and depth. Early works like Woman with a Hat (1905) shocked audiences with their intensity, while later pieces such as Dance (1910) showcased his ability to capture movement with simplified shapes. His interiors, particularly those painted in Nice, are rich in pattern and decorative elements. Throughout his career, Matisse sought to create art that conveyed joy and serenity, culminating in his late cut-out compositions.