Matisse, Henri (1868–1954).One of the dominant artists of the 20th century,
Matisse was a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist. In 1905, he was the
principal painter of the group known as the “Fauves” (wild beasts). His
work is characterized by use of vivid color, two-dimensional design, and
bold line.
Michelangelo Buonarotti (1475–1564). One of history’s greatest and most
famous artists, he was a sculptor, architect, and painter whose work was
so overpowering in its effect that his inÀ uence was inescapable during his
own lifetime and has never ceased. His training was in Florence, and his
career was divided between that city and Rome, where his imprint on the
architecture and decoration of St. Peter’s and the Vatican is permanent.
Millet, Jean François (1814–1875). French Barbizon painter known for his
peasant scenes and landscapes.
Miro, Jean (18931983). Spanish painter and sculptor inÀ uenced by Dada
and Surrealism. His work draws on memory, fantasy, and the irrational.
Mondrian, Piet (18721944). A Dutch painter whose work is characterized
by straight lines, right angles, and primary colors—his attempt to supply
order to a disordered world. He was a member of the movement known as
De Stijl (“the style”) and a founder of Neo-Plasticism.
Monet, Claude (1840–1926). French artist and the leading practitioner of
landscape Impressionism; his painting Impression: Sunrise gave the name
to the movement. Also known for his series paintings of train stations,
haystacks, Rouen Cathedral, and his gardens at Giverny.
Murillo, Esteban (1617–1682). Spanish artist, principally a religious painter
but also known for his genre paintings of peasant boys.
Orcagna, Andrea (c. 1308–1368). Florentine painter, sculptor, and architect
whose mature career coincided with the catastrophic plague that ravaged
Italy and Europe. His art consequently was regressive and medieval in its
severe hieratic style.