- 307
Henri Matisse
Description
- Henri Matisse
- Falaises
- monogramed H.M (lower right)
- oil on canvas
- 64,2 x 45 cm ; 25 1/4 x 17 3/4 in.
Provenance
Pierre-Noël Matisse (by descent from the above; thence by descent and sold: Christie's, New York, November 7, 2007, lot 320)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
Exhibited
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
In the three year period punctuated by summers at Belle Ile, Matisse's style changed radically. As the present painting exemplifies, Belle-Île offered Matisse a remote and secluded subject with spectacular cliff and rock structures enveloped in ever changing light and atmospheric effects. It was the perfect place for radical experimentation on the motif and by 1897 the change was complete. The painting Belle-Île-en-Mer features almost abstract qualities. Later in his life, commenting on his relationship with Russel, Matisse would say: "...Russell was my teacher, and Russell explained colour theory to me...". The present painting is a fascinating testament to the relationship between Russel and Matisse and to the far-reaching influence of Belle-Île on the work of a painter that was to become one of the key figures of modern painting.