Henri Matisse's artwork spanned some of the most exciting periods in art history. Like Picasso, he worked in many different mediums and was one of the first great painters of the 20th century.Though his work varied in subject and material, his style is what is commonly referred to as Fauvism.enri Matisse's artwork spanned some of the most exciting periods in art history. Like Picasso, he worked in many different mediums and was one of the first great painters of the 20th century.