Why did critics call the new artists fauves or wild beasts?

Critics labeled the new artists as "fauves," meaning "wild beasts" in French, due to their bold use of color and emotive brushwork that deviated significantly from traditional artistic norms. Their work featured vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and a sense of spontaneity that conveyed strong emotions, which astonished and unsettled conservative art audiences. This term was popularized after the 1905 Salon d'Automne exhibition, where works by artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain shocked viewers with their fierce colors and innovative styles. The label encapsulated the artists' rebellious spirit and their departure from conventional representation in art.