Henri Matisse, Nu Bleu IV, 1958
We are thrilled to announce that Henri Matisse is coming to Bath!
Matisse was a master of his craft, responsible for revolutionary advancements in modern art. Known as a significant player in the 'Fauvist' movement, in which artists were known as 'wild beasts' due to their intense palettes and feral brushstrokes, Matisse pioneered decorative and flattened forms. When old age affected his career, the artist famously turned to cut paper collage, using a technique known as 'papier découpé'. His perseverance and bigger, bolder works only solidified his reputation as a key figure of the 20th century.
Matisse's 'Verve' portfolio is an exciting body of work by the artist. This collection, began in 1950, was the last that the artist worked on before his death. Published in 1958, the portfolio was the only lithographic interpretation of the cut outs produced directly by Matisse and the master lithographer Fernand Mourlot, an innovator of printmaking in the 20th century. Each print masterfully replicates the artist's famed pochoir technique through the process of lithography. Due to their excellent price point and fantastic condition, the 'Verve' portfolio presents a rare opportunity to collect original Matisse artworks.
Collection Highlights
Blue Nudes
Not only are Matisse’s Blue Nudes some of his most exemplary work, but the series is amongst the most legendary artworks from this era of Modern art. Numerous drawings were made in preparation for this series, and countless adjustments were made before the artworks were considered to be complete. Matisse’s meticulous work resulted in a polished, revolutionary body of work where painterly techniques are subverted, and form and line become indistinguishable. Matisse’s ‘Nu Bleu IV’ was particularly laboured over, evolving over two weeks on both a studio wall and easel.
La Piscine I + II
Following a visit to his favourite pool in Cannes in 1952, Matisse announced that he wished to ‘make myself my own pool’. The result of this declaration was Matisse’s only site-specific cut-out; his assistant, the notorious Lydia Delectorskaya, wrapped his dining room at the Hôtel Régina with white paper which the artist then overlayed with cut outs of divers and sea-creatures. This balletic artwork was a culmination of Matisse’s cut-out oeuvre at that point.
Please join us on Thursday 16th February (5pm-8pm) to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition with a complimentary glass of fizz! To RSVP or for more information, please email ellie@hiddengallery.co.uk or call 01225 251005.
Any questions? We are happy to help. Call: 0117 279 6402 or send us a message now.
