Matisse, Henri, mah TEES, ahn REE (1869-1954), a French painter, was one of the most influential artists of the 1900's. He is best known as the father of the modern art movement called Fauvism. The Fauves used large flat areas of bright color and strong lines in expressive and decorative ways while remaining faithful to traditional subjects such as landscapes, still lifes, interiors, and portraits. Matisse executed his experiments with form and color in several media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, prints, and paper cutouts.