The road and the tree 

Andre Derain created this painting, titled 'The Road and the Tree', with oil on canvas. In this landscape we see the influence of the Fauvist movement, which he co-founded in France in the early 20th century. The road and tree that comprise the painting’s title are presented in tones of ochre and brown. The tree dominates the foreground. The road winds through the scene, drawing the eye through the landscape towards the distant hills. Derain, like many artists of his time, sought to break away from academic traditions and explore new modes of expression. The Fauves, meaning "wild beasts," were known for their bold use of color and simplified forms. As an art historian, I would examine the exhibition records and critical reviews of Derain's work to understand its reception in the context of early 20th-century art. By researching the socio-political climate of the time, we can better understand how art played a role in challenging existing social norms.