You will be given a trivia clue, and the category it belongs to. You should answer with the best answer that belongs in the category and is described by the clue. For consistency, answers should be in all lower cased letters.

Category: ART & ARTISTS 
Clue: This "Joy of Life" Fauvist studied law, but turned to painting when recuperating from an operation (Good choice!)
henri matisse

Category: OPERA 
Clue: "Esmeralda", an 1840s opera, is based on a work by this "Miserable" author
victor hugo

Category: EXPLORATION 
Clue: When Henry Hudson entered Hudson Bay, he mistakenly thought he had found this route

the northwest passage