“The Model,” created in 1918 by the artist Matthew Smith, belongs to the Fauvism movement and is classified as a portrait. The artwork vividly showcases the distinct characteristics of Fauvism through its striking use of color and expressive brushwork.
The artwork features a female figure portrayed with vibrant and bold colors. Her face, adorned with shades of orange and red, stands out starkly against the subdued, multicolored background. The subject is depicted wearing a richly colored garment, with prominent greens and reds forming a dynamic pattern. These colors, applied with visible, broad brushstrokes, imbue the painting with texture and depth, emphasizing the emotional intensity characteristic of the Fauvism movement. The background, painted in a mix of violets and browns with hints of blue, contrasts and complements the fiery tones of the subject’s face, further enhancing the visual impact of the portrait.