Master of Fine Arts

thesisMaster of ArtsArt/Art HistoryJohn Henri Moser's (1875-1951) paintings are among the most collected in the State of Utah. He is represented in numerous museums and private collections, but his Parisian art training, prolific Expressionist artworks, and adoption of Fauvist colors and painterly techniques have been largely neglected. This thesis will examine Henri Moser's beginnings expressed through his unique painting style, career, and his recorded 1,198 artworks. Since this is the first comprehensive historical examination of this early twentieth century artist, this thesis will, through the scrutiny of primary documents and personal interviews with key descendents, provide a balanced approach to classifying and personal interviews with key descendents, provide a balanced approach to classifying and ranking this important artist among others of his time. Moser's academic training in Paris, his departure from classical training in favor of Expressionism, and the artists who influenced his life will be explored. The background and climate of Parisian academic training as well as the origins of the Fauvist movement will be detailed to contextualize his work. :Evidence will be presented through representative images of Moser's artwork that will identify him as a progressive, innovative artist while examining his realization of what he believed was his divine calling. Research will show that Moser's expressive use of a bold palette did not take place until after he returned to Utah from his academic training and association with other artists, including Pablo Picasso, in Paris. Moser's position as a significant early modernist and his reception in a conservative environment will be examined. Moser's legacy as one of the earliest and most distinctive Expressionist artists in Utah will be substantiated