On March 28, 1905, the Salon des Indépendants opened its doors in Paris, featuring a controversial display of works by Henri Matisse, André Derain, and Maurice de Vlaminck. The exhibition showcased paintings characterized by wild, non-naturalistic colors and aggressive brushwork that shocked critics. Although the famous label 'Fauves' (Wild Beasts) was coined later by critic Louis Vauxcelles in response to the Salon d'Automne, this specific opening at the Indépendants was crucial in consolidating the group's visibility and solidifying the visual language of Fauvism before their more famous autumn showing.
This exhibition helped cement the reputation of the Fauves as a distinct and radical movement, paving the way for their dominance in the early 20th-century art scene.
