Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a pre-eminent figure of Post-Impressionism and one of the most important artists of the 20th century who helped accelerate Modernism internationally.
Regarded as an extraordinary colorist, Matisse first gained prominence as the leader of Fauvism, a movement that revolutionized the use of color in art by prioritizing expressionism over naturalistic representation.
Matisse’s brilliant colors were often brought to life through stylized images of the human figure, a significant and recurring motif throughout his oeuvre. He used this universal subject as a vehicle of expression, highlighting the body's sensuous qualities and dynamism through simplified forms and curvilinear linework.
Like many French artists of his generation, Matisse often turned to dance, an omnipresent and timeless expression of joy. Matisse would depict dancers in various contexts while distorting and fragmenting their forms to accentuate their movement and grace.
This striking lithograph depicts the artist’s wife, Henriette Darricarrère, who was a dancer, model, and a recurring muse to Matisse. Darricarrère is depicted in a tutu, her hands on her hips as she gazes back at the viewer.
This piece is included in a portfolio of ten works, “Dix Danseuses”, each of which portrays Darricarrère in various poses. Works from this portfolio are represented in multiple public collections including the , the , and the (Washington), to name a few.
In 2018, Matisse achieved an auction record of $80.8 million for his 1923 painting "Odalisque Couchée aux Magnolias".
Today, his work can be found in every major public collection around the world including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery (London), to name a few.
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"Untitled from Ten Dancers (Dix Danseuses)"
France, 1927
Lithograph
Signed and numbered by artist, bottom right
From an edition of 130
17.25"H 11"W (work)
25.25"H 18.5"W (framed)
Published by Éditions de la Galerie d'Art Contemporain, Paris
Overall very good condition. Detailed condition report by request.
