At the turn of the 20th century, France was a major colonial power with colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This period of imperialism had a profound impact on French society and culture, and it is reflected in the art of the time.
Fauvism can be seen as a reaction against the traditional art forms that were associated with the French colonial establishment. Fauvist artists sought to break free from the constraints of academic art and create a new, more expressive form of art that was not beholden to the colonial powers.
The early 20th century saw the rise of consumerism and mass culture, as advances in technology made it possible to produce goods on a massive scale. This had a profound impact on the art world, as artists began to explore new forms of expression that were more accessible to the masses.
Fauvism can be seen as a response to this new cultural landscape. Fauvist artists sought to create art that was accessible to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status. The bold use of color and the emphasis on emotion and expression were designed to appeal to a broad audience.
