| French painter, printmaker, sculptor and illustrator, Henri Matisse was born in the north of France at Le Cateau-Cambresis in 1869. Matisse's parents were determined that he should study law, and sent him to University in Paris. During this period, in the year 1890, Matisse fell ill with appendicitis. There followed a long period of convalescence in which his mother gave him paints and paper to keep him from boredom. Matisse is said to have discovered a love of painting during this time, which gave him a new sense of freedom. In 1891 he returned to Paris, fully recovered, this time, against the wishes of his parents, to study art. While in Paris, Matisse received his training at various schools, such as, Académie Julian and École des Arts Décoratifs. He soon rose to become a master painter, printmaker, collage artists and sculptor. Creating his greatest masterpieces between 1909 and 1917, he ranks among the greatest artists of his time. His use of color and form remains a great influence on artists even today. In his own words: 'What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or disturbing subject-matter...like a comforting influence, a mental balm-something like a good armchair in which one rests from physical fatigue.' He died on November 3rd of 1954. |
| A master painter, printmaker, collage artist and sculptor, Matisse ranks among the greatest artists of his time and ours. The Matisse artworks exhibited here on exemplify the lightness and joy that typifies so much of Matisse´s work, his use of color and form not only created a landmark in Art History, but remain a great influence on artists to this day. In the words of this great artist: What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling matter...like a comforting influence, a mental balm-something like a good armchair in which one rests from physical fatigue. The authenticated art prints by the artist reflect his guiding principle. |
