Week 13: Lesson on Early 20th-Century Modern Art

Matisse painting of still life on a blue tablecloth
Henri Matisse, Still Life (chocolate pot) with Blue Tablecloth, 1909, Hermitage Museum

This week we explore the different art movements of early twentieth-century art. The readings are found under “Early 20th-Century Modern Art” within the “Readings” tab at the top of this page. As you explore this week’s art works from home, consider all the small things we find comfort in. Henri Matisse, the Fauve painter in this week’s lesson, often painted one of his favorite possessions, a chocolate pot. The small carafe-like, metal pots were mass-produced to brew hot chocolate and commonly found in French households. Matisse included this object in many of his still life paintings. Wishing you a healthy, safe, and comforting week!