Learn about Henri Matisse, one of 20th century's most beloved artists,
and his artistic legacy.
From his earliest pointillist-influenced paintings to this mature and
playful paper cut-outs; from enormous, ebullient murals to reverent
stained glass--Henri Matisse was renowned for his dramatic use of color
and fluid draftsmanship. Thirty of Matisse's most beloved works are
given close attention in this introduction that explores the varying
tensions of the artist's oeuvre--his embrace of pure color, patterns,
and texture; the languorous pleasures of the Cote d'Azur; primitive
displays of human ecstasy; tranquil scenes of domestic life and soaring
monuments to religious life. An engaging biography takes readers through
every phase of Matisse's career and reveals how his aversion to
troubling or depressing subject matter was in direct opposition to the
radical spirit of his work.