Bio

Born in Northern France, Henri Matisse began his career studying law before turning to painting in 1891. Initially trained in a conservative naturalist style, his exposure to Impressionists like Van Gogh and Cézanne led to a vibrant personal style. In 1905, Matisse co-founded Fauvism, a short-lived but influential movement emphasizing bold, expressive use of color. He believed color and form guided the artist, striving for harmony and serenity in his work. Matisse gained critical acclaim and important commissions, including murals now in the Hermitage, and was known for expressive depictions of dancers and figures across painting, sculpture, and graphic arts. Later in life, he focused on colorful cut-paper collages, exemplified by his famous Jazz series. Residing mainly in southern France, Matisse remained popular internationally until his death in 1954.