Henri Matisse Born 1869 Died 1954
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.
- What Techniques do you think he used to paint this?
- 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 hislife.
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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