The World of Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse, a master colorist and one of the most important French Modernists, created amazing worlds in different styles. He was an incredibly gifted painter, sculptor, printmaker, draughtsman and collagist, equally adept at mixing complicated patterns or complex perspectives with simplified flattened forms. Having been trained by William-Adolphe Bouguereau in the academic manner, Matisse radically changed his style after he encountered works by van Gogh and Cézanne and spent time in Saint Tropez and Collioure. Initially a leader of the Fauves with bursting bright colors, then part of the Montparnasse artists that frequented Gertrude Stein’s salon circle, and then in the South of France, each period brought new influences and style changes. The early masterwork Le Bonheur de Vivre is like a motto for his life. His other works such as his Dance and  Odalisque paintings; his colorful interiors and  southern landscapes; and the late paper cut-outs -- all speak of a joyful life.

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