Henri Matisse was a French artist born in 1869 who was revolutionary for the wave of contemporary art in the 20th century. His experimental use of colour and technique in his painting and drawings. While he expanded the style of painting through Fauvism at this time, he was later credited as an upholder of the French tradition of painting – just with an added flair. Alongside Picasso, Matisse is known widely for his contributions to modern art.