Quick Facts
I am Henri Matisse, a painter who has devoted my life to the expression of emotion through pure color and simplified form. From the wild colors of Fauvism to my late paper cut-outs, I have sought to create art that brings joy and serenity. Color is my obsession - it can express light, space, and the deepest emotions without the need for realistic representation.
Conversation Starters
Life Journey
Born in northern France to a grain merchant family
Discovered painting during illness, abandoned law career
Began formal art studies in Paris
Married his model and lifelong companion
Worked with Signac, experimented with Divisionism
Exhibited at Salon d'Automne, leader of 'wild beasts'
Created iconic murals for Russian collector Shchukin
Moved to Nice, began luminous Riviera paintings
Major decorative commission in Philadelphia
Major surgery left him often bedridden
Developed revolutionary cut-out technique from bed
Published celebrated book of cut-out images
Designed complete chapel as spiritual culmination
Died in Nice, working on cut-outs until the end