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The exhibition reveals the least known facet of the work of Henri Matisse (Cateau-Cambresis, France, 1869 - 1954, Nice, France​​): his innovative and intense relationship with printmaking and the extremely important role that this technique played  in the French artist’s global creative process.

The exhibition includes a selection of works from The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation to explain the extraordinary dimension of printmaking on all of the arts developed by the French artist. Matisse placed this technique at the same level as drawing and considered it to be another instrument to develop his stroke.

Throughout his life, he worked on different techniques:  drypoint, etching, monotyping, xylography, lithography, linoengraving, aquatint, etc. In all of them, it is possible to establish links and influences with the drawing, painting or sculpture  of Matisse, one of the most appreciated artists for his mastery in the use of colour and forerunner of Fauvism.

Based on the diversity of his experimentation willingness, Matisse made printmaking one of his preferred platforms to find new horizons: from playing with colour to the sublimation of black or the search for purity and tranquillity in the rapid and sure strokes with which he created portraits and human figures.

It is calculated that there are around 800 prints by Matisse around the world and this exhibition will include a selection of the best known ones.  

Image Credit:

Nadia with a Serious Expression, 1948. © Succession H. Matisse, VEGAP, 2019