Henri Matisse, in full Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse, (born December 31, 1869, Le Cateau, Picardy, France—died November 3, 1954, Nice) Henri Matisse often regarded as the most important French painter of the 20th century. He was the leader of the Fauvist movement about 1900, and he pursued the expressiveness of colour throughout his career. His subjects were largely domestic or figurative, and a distinct Mediterranean verve presides in the treatment.