Le Lac de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne (1909) Art Print | Henri Manguin

Henri Manguin was a joyful and light-filled painter associated with Fauvism, a short-lived but influential movement that emphasized vivid color, expressive brushwork, and emotional intensity over realism. Often referred to as “the painter of happiness,” Manguin's canvases radiate warmth and intimacy, celebrating the pleasures of daily life, southern landscapes, and the female form.

Born in Paris, Manguin studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under Gustave Moreau, alongside fellow Fauves Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet. This creative circle challenged academic traditions and helped spark one of the most daring shifts in early 20th-century modern art.

Manguin quickly developed a personal style marked by bold, sun-drenched color palettes, loose, lyrical strokes, and a sense of ease and leisure. His favorite subjects included Mediterranean views, bathers, interiors, and portraits of his wife Jeanne, rendered with affection and a touch of sensuality.

Though not as radical as some of his contemporaries, Manguin remained a devoted colorist throughout his life. His works convey a gentle exuberance, often evoking the warmth of the French Riviera and the tranquil joys of a peaceful life. He exhibited at the famous Salon d’Automne of 1905, where Fauvism was born, and continued to paint prolifically for decades.

Henri Manguin may be less widely known than Matisse or Derain, but his art offers a luminous, optimistic vision of the world — a reminder of the beauty found in quiet moments and sunlit days.