%C2%A9 Succession H. Matisse %2F Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York
Leaves, 1949
Henri Matisseexpand_more
Pen and black ink on coated white wove paperexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 92.85.13
Not on Viewexpand_more
This example is one of a group of forty variations on leaves that Matisse drew in his own garden and that of his publisher friend, Tériade. Matisse frequently produced such series of variants drawn in pen and ink, as a way to seize the essential character of a motif.
Because of its directness, Matisse came to recognize that line drawing expressed his emotions most purely. Matisse adapts his composition to the size and proportions of the supporting sheet, to realize a design of absolute clarity and elegance. The palpable effect of the white spaces interacting with the subject confirms Matisse’s claim that his line drawings were “generators of light”.
Details
- Title
- Leaves
- Artist Life
- 1869–1954
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 92.85.13
- Provenance
- Ruth and Bruce Dayton, Wayzata (until 1992; given to MIA).
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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© Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York