Henri Matisse

Galerie Thannhauser, Munich
Justin K. Thannhauser, New York
Vente : Christie's, New York, 13 mai 1987, lot 110
Acquis lors de cette vente par le propriétaire actuel

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, attached to the mount in all four corners, and in the centre of the upper, left and lower edges, floating in the mount. This work is in very good original condition. Colours: The paper tone is warmer and the colours are overall lighter in the original.
"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."

signed 'Henri Matisse' (lower right), watercolour and pencil on paper. Executed in Collioure in 1905.

 

Exécutée à Collioure en 1905, cette lumineuse aquarelle composée d'une palette vive et délicate compte parmi les premiers nus fauves de Matisse, annonçant l'importance que revêtera ce sujet dans l'œuvre de l'artiste (fig. 1). Le corps pâle de la femme est allongé sur une plage de sable doré sous un ciel turquoise dans lequel rayonne le soleil méditerranéen. Quelques mois plus tard, les expériences picturales de Matisse, Derain et Vlaminck à Collioure seront pour la première fois qualifiées de « fauves »  lors de leur exposition au Salon d'Automne.

Executed in Collioure in 1905, this luminous watercolour composed with a delicate yet vibrant palette is one of the first Fauve nudes painted by Matisse, anticipating the importance this subject would have in the artist's oeuvre (fig. 1).  The pale body of the woman reclines on a golden sandy beach beneath a turquoise sky glistening in the Mediterranean sun.  Just a few months later, the visual experiments conducted by Matisse, Derain and Vlaminck at Collioure would earn the name "fauve" for the first time when they were exhibited at the Salon d'Automne.