Matisse 1941-1954

“Matisse, 1941-1954” highlights the final years of the French artist’s creative life.
At nearly 80 years old, Henri Matisse reinvented his practice through the medium of cut-out gouache, which emerged as an autonomous and powerful visual language. Its simplicity allowed him to reach a universal form of expression and fully embrace the decorative dimension of his art. Never before had Matisse been so prolific in his use of diverse techniques and materials—paintings, drawings, illustrated books, textiles, and stained glass all reflect this vibrant new impulse. This is demonstrated by the approximately 300 works brought together here, ranging from intimate pieces to monumental ensembles, drawn from both public and private collections.