The Barnes Foundation's exhibit Matisse & Renoir: New Encounters at the Barnes reminded me of the first time I saw Dance I at MoMA and was captivated by the movement of dance in a static, flat painting. Ever since then, Matisse has been one of my favorite artists, and I’ve loved the vibrant colors of his paintings.
A Humble Beginning in Northern France
Henri Matisse was born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, a small town in northern France. His family didn’t have an art background. His father was a grain merchant, and his mother came from a family of tanners (they worked with leather).
Matisse’s early life was far from the colorful world he would later create. He studied law and worked as a law clerk. He didn’t start painting until he was 20 years old and bedridden with appendicitis when his mother brought him art supplies to pass the time.
The joy he found in painting was undeniable, and he soon abandoned his legal career to pursue art full-time.
"From the moment I held the box of colors in my hands, I knew this was my life." - Henri Matisse
A Master of Color
Matisse was fearless in his use of color. He believed that color could express emotions more powerfully than realistic representations.
Instead of focusing on traditional techniques, he used colors to create moods and convey feelings. His work often featured vibrant, contrasting colors that shouldn’t work together but somehow create harmony and joy.
Matisse didn’t just see color as a tool but as a language.
"Color was not given to us in order that we should imitate nature. It was given to us so that we can express our own emotions." - Henri Matisse
This belief led him to break away from traditional art forms and develop his own unique style, known today as Fauvism, which in French means "wild beasts." This term was coined to describe the wild, expressive colors used by Matisse and his peers.
An Art Revolution
Matisse’s breakthrough came with bold experimentation. His painting "Woman with a Hat" (1905), a portrait of his wife Amélie, shocked the art world with its vibrant colors and unconventional style. Critics were divided; some were outraged, while others were captivated. This painting marked the beginning of Fauvism and established Matisse as a leader of this new art movement.
Another significant breakthrough was his 1911 painting "The Red Studio," which defied traditional perspectives and used red as a dominant color to convey a sense of warmth and intimacy. This work influenced many future artists and is considered a masterpiece of modern art.
The Signature Works
Matisse is famous for bright and expressive paintings. One of his most important works is "Joy of Life" (1905). This painting celebrates life, love, and the human experience. It is full of bright colors that show happiness and energy.
Another significant work, which I mentioned at the beginning, is "The Dance" (1909), commissioned by Russian patron Sergey Shchukin. This painting, along with its companion piece "Music," showcases Matisse's mastery of color and form. The simplified, flowing figures and vibrant colors create a sense of movement and joy that is quintessentially Matisse.
His work on the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, France, is another monumental achievement. Despite his failing health, Matisse designed every aspect of the chapel, from the stained glass windows to the murals. He considered it his masterpiece.
"This work required four years of exclusive and diligent work, and it is the result of my whole active life." - Henri Matisse
The Struggle and Resilience
Matisse faced many challenges, both personally and professionally. One of the most significant obstacles was his health. Matisse suffered from various illnesses throughout his life, which left him bedridden for long periods of time. Despite these hardships, he never stopped creating.
During his later years, he could no longer paint after having major surgery for intestinal cancer. Instead, Matisse turned to a new medium: paper cutouts. This was not just a workaround but a whole new form of expression. He called this technique "painting with scissors." These cutouts are some of his most famous works, proving that creativity can flourish even in the face of adversity.
A Lasting Legacy
Matisse had three children: his eldest daughter Marguerite, followed by two sons, Jean and Pierre. Both sons pursued careers in the art world. Jean became a sculptor, though he remained less well-known, while Pierre became a prominent art dealer. Taking his father's advice, Pierre opened a gallery in New York in 1925. Located on the 17th floor of the Fuller Building, Pierre's gallery showcased works by Modern artists.
In 1950, at the age of 81, Matisse won the 25th Venice Biennale, representing France. This was a fitting recognition of an impressive artistic career.
The final piece Matisse completed before his death in 1954 was “La Rosace,” a circular stained-glass window. Nelson Rockefeller, the future governor of New York, commissioned it in memory of his mother, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, a notable art patron and admirer of Matisse. The window was installed at the Union Church of Pocantico Hills in Tarrytown, New York, where it still resides today.
I love Matisse, his sense of color and the seeming playfulness and joy. I did not know he did stained glass. Thank you for this wonderful biography.