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Preview image of work. graphite on paper,  Still Life (Nature Morte avec vase et tomate) 12982

2003.11.51

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Still Life (Nature Morte avec vase et tomate)

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Artist

Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, 1869 - 1954, Nice, France)

Title

Still Life (Nature Morte avec vase et tomate)

Creation Date

ca. 1941

Century

mid-20th century

Dimensions

20 1/2 in. x 16 in. (52.07 cm x 40.64 cm)

Object Type

drawing

Creation Place

Europe, France

Medium and Support

graphite on paper

Credit Line

Bequest of William H. Alexander, in memory of his friend, Howard Hoyt Shiras, M.D.

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

2003.11.51

Following a life-altering surgery in 1941, Matisse turned to drawing to rekindle his creative spirit. The artist had painted still lifes throughout his career, but these concise and fluid works in graphite marked a break with his stylistic past. Working on a large scale, Matisse used abbreviated means to animate his subject and suggest solid form. His confident handling of line shows his boldness as an artist and anticipates his later work with cutouts. William Alexander bought this drawing and many others from the New York gallery of Alexandre Iolas, a legendary dealer with close ties to European surrealists as well as young contemporary American artists. Matisse’s daughter, Marguerite Duthuit, authenticated the drawing.