Henri Matisse Born 1869 – Died 1954
Henri Matisse was born in France in 1869.
He became the leader of a group of Artists
called the “Fauvres”. Translated, this meant
“Wild animals or Wild ones”
Matisse initially trained to be a lawyer.
For most of 1890 Matisse was bedridden with
appendicitis and his Mother gave him a box of
paints to stop him getting bored and he found
his passion in life!
Inspiration:
Matisse was inspired by the Post
Impressionist Painter Vincent Van Gogh.
He admired his expressive, emotional use of
colour.
He was also inspired by Paul Gaugin who
painted on the tropical island of Tahiti.
Gaugin used bright fantasy colours to
capture the exotic women wearing
patterned ethnic shawls.
In 1905 Matisse spent the summer in Collioure a small fishing
village in the South of France. This became a turning point in
Matisse’s life as he was so inspired by the bright colours.
He later had a controversial show of
paintings in Paris. The primitive style
and unrestrained colours led critics to
call Matisse and his group of painters
“The Fauves” translated “The Wild
Ones”.
Matisse was King of the Fauves.
Colour: Colour was the main visual
element in the “Fauves “ work. They rejected
and rebelled against realistic colour and used
expressive, pure colours.
The most controversial portrait was “Madame Matisse”
(nick named the green stripe), a portrait of Matisse’s wife.
The colour is applied in lurid patches, not much attempt is
made at blending. A large green stripe divides her face in
half to represent shadow.
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What Techniques do you think he used to paint this?
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Would you be happy if he painted you in this style?
The green shadow of her face contrasts with the red
of her dress. Matisse repeatedly used contrasting
colours of red and green and oranges and blues to
create a dynamic effect.
In interiors he used black for tables and
walls.
The critics were horrified.
Pattern: Oriental decoration was also a major
influence in Matisse’s work. Oriental carpets, rugs and
cloths provided rich patterned backgrounds, a
Matisse trademark.
Often the rich patterns would take over the whole
painting and become more important than the portraits.
Line: Matisse simplified
portraits and objects so they could
be drawn in a few straight and
curved lines. He would often draw
with his eyes shut.
Later work: In 1941 Matisse was operated
on for cancer of the stomach he became
bedridden on and off for the latter part of his
life.
He started making simple abstract works
from cut out paper collages.
These abstract works would appear as
illustrations, posters or stained glass
windows.
This famous painting is called “The Snail”
He became just as famous for his “Jazz” posters. You can see his collage
work inspiring graphic designers today.
His Abstract work has also inspired American abstract Artists like Mark
Rothko
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