Matisse: Safrano Roses at the Window

'Les roses Safrano is from the great series of still-lifes that Matisse painted in Nice in 1924 and 1925. This group includes some of the finest still-lifes of Matisse's career.  As Alfred Barr has written, "Among the paintings of 1924-25, the most characteristic are the sumptuous still-lifes and studio interiors"

During the years 1920 to 1925, Matisse worked with unabated energy, producing scores of paintings...in which daring combinations of patterns and colors are achieved with a virtuosity beyond the powers of any other living artist. For many, this period is the most attractive and satisfactory in Matisse's entire career.'

This painting is in the typical style these artists started to use, distinguished by a soft and textured palette of almost pastel type colours and broad brushstrokes.  Although the works were very calculated and well thought through, the technique gives an impression of spontaneity and movement.  A still life at a window was amongst his favourite subjects to paint during that time.

Comparing a painting to a window has also been a conventional recurrent theme in art theory since the Renaissance.  In making it the subject of his painting, Matisse allowed this painting to epitomize a new direction in modern art, where paintings develop an increasing autonomy from the things they depict.  

This 40 x 50cm version of this stunning Matisse painting is relatively challenging and has 30 colours.  Each box contains a stretched, printed and numbered canvas, paint, brushes and a page detailing the numbers for an extra reference.

Further reading:

https://www.henrimatisse.org

https://lewisartcafe.com/behind-the-most-abstract-matisse/

https://www.christies.com