Matisse Paintings That Revolutionized Modern Art
French painter Henri Matisse was an important figure in the development of art over the course of the 20th century. His contribution to modern art is unparalleled, with his works of art being admired and celebrated worldwide. Crucially, Matisse’s paintings revolutionized the way we think about modern art and what it can be. This article is an overview of five paintings that changed the world of art forever and how they influenced the house of modern art.
Matisse and His Impact on the Art World
Henri Matisse was a French artist who is admired today for his incredible impact on modern art. His paintings focused mostly on still lifes and landscapes, but he often included representations of the human body. Although he believed the greatest art was Cubism, the areas of his own life and the experiences and movements he was exposed to evolved and changed him profoundly, leading to his own development of Post-Impressionism, Fauvism and later, Expressionism. Matisse’s artwork established new conventions in color, composition and form that remain relevant today. Through his artwork, Matisse sought to capture and magnify the beauty of everyday life, expressing happiness and joy. His work has a bright, vibrant palette, and his artistic and imaginative style juxtaposes shapes and colors, creating a unique effect. In time, Matisse came to be regarded as a modern master, who not only revolutionized the art landscape, but inspired artists the world over.
The Dance
The Dance is one of Matisse’s best-known works of art, completed in 1910 and arguably one of the most influential artworks of the twentieth century. It is a large painting, measuring 30 x 173 inches (76 x 438 cm). In The Dance, Matisse depicts five nude figures joyously celebrating, signifying the power of humanity and freedom. The figures’ unrestricted movement and vivid hand gestures are interpreted both as a reflection of personal joy and of the general condition of joy and celebration inherent in human existence. His bold and striking use of color reflects the passion of the figures and the vibrant energy of their celebratory movements.
The Large Reclining Nude
The Large Reclining Nude was completed around 1935 and is one of Matisse’s most influential works. The painting is oil on canvas and measures 80 x 110 inches (204 x 279 cm). He used large swathes of color to depict a sensual, voluptuous female figure as she peacefully reclines on her left side. Her soft yellow skin stands out against a warm background. Matisse created this work in response to Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and it shocked the art world with its balance of shapes, colors, and forms. Matisse elevated the shockingly modern reclining nude figure to a position of peaceful dignity. He used the female body to express a range of emotions, from sensuality and sexuality to contemplation and relaxation.
Beasts of the Sea
Beasts of the Sea is an influential Matisse painting created in 1950, at the peak of his use of Fauvism. The work is oil on canvas and measures 63 x 138 inches (160 x 350 cm). Beasts of the Sea has been interpreted as a whimsical expression of Matisse’s style and an allegory of femininity, with the undulating female figures representing the sea’s deep rolling movements. The strong brushstrokes, contrasting colors, and serpentine curves all make this an incredibly dynamic painting, while the curves add an element of sensuality and feminine beauty. This painting was essential in codifying the female form in Matisse’s pieces and its style heavily influenced the art world until today.
The Window
The Window, painted in 1916, is a classic Matisse work that utilizes a deep blue and purple palette to contribute to its unique atmosphere. It is oil on canvas and measures 73 x 93 inches (185 x 236 cm). In The Window, Matisse creates an intense scene depicting a seated woman in a room. Setting the scene in front of a bright window, Matisse creates a strong contrast between the light and dark of the room. It recognizes certain objects in the room, such as plants, books, and lamps, while rendering them quite abstractly. The painting conveys a sense of mystery, with the seated figure lost in thought. Matisse used a cool, subdued color range in order to create a mood of calmness and contemplation.
The Red Room
Completed in 1908, The Red Room (Harmony in Red) is one of Matisse’s most recognizable pieces. It is oil on canvas and measures 60 x 72 inches (152 x 182 cm). The painting was created using thick, layering brushstrokes in vibrant, intense shades of red. In The Red Room, Matisse attempts to capture a harmony and unity between the figures and the environment, creating a sense of balance and order. He uses aggressive saturation, texture, and bold use of color to bring the painting to life on the canvas. The Red Room brought a revolutionary approach to composition, particularly with its mix of organic shapes and geometric forms. The painting is an essential part of his body of work and changed the way the art world views and creates art.
Throughout the 20th century, Henri Matisse created a body of work that has inspired and influenced the world of art in profound ways. His vibrant palette and bold experimentation with form and composition has shaped modern art. These five distinctive paintings – The Dance, The Large Reclining Nude, Beasts of the Sea, The Window, and The Red Room – exemplify Matisse’s brilliant artistry and were incredibly influential pieces of his impressive oeuvre, collectively revolutionizing the art world.
