- 314
Henri Matisse
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Henri Matisse
- Femmes lisant
- Signed H. Matisse and dated 47 (lower right)
- Charcoal on paper
- 14 3/4 by 18 7/8 in.
- 37.5 by 48 cm
Provenance
Pierre Matisse, New York (by descent from the artist)
The Estate of Pierre-Noel Matisse (by descent from the above)
Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York
Acquired from the above
The Estate of Pierre-Noel Matisse (by descent from the above)
Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York
Acquired from the above
Condition
Very good condition. On a cream laid sheet hinged to the mount with six pieces of Japan paper on all but lower edge. Artist's pinholes at each corner. A small repair three inches to left of top-right corner. Tiny repair along right edge six inches above lower right corner. The medium is strong and vibrant and the work is in very good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
By 1947, when Femmes lisant was executed, Matisse was living at the villa Le Rêve in Vence working on his series of interior paintings as well as brush, ink and charcoal drawings. Matisse’s drawings of this period show his clear preference for linear compositions, as evidenced by the precision of line used to render this intimate scene. In the present work, we can see how he has confidently applied his medium with decisive lines while observing this close interaction of the two women reading. While the woman on the left concentrates on reading the open book, the younger woman fixes the viewer with her intent gaze; one almost feels like an intruder on this quiet moment by the window.
In his article Notes d’un peintre sur son dessin published in 1939, Matisse described the advantages of this particular medium which allowed him “to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of surrounding light, atmosphere and all that can be expressed by drawing “ (quoted in John Elderfield, The Drawings of Henri Matisse, London, 1984, p. 84).
In his article Notes d’un peintre sur son dessin published in 1939, Matisse described the advantages of this particular medium which allowed him “to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of surrounding light, atmosphere and all that can be expressed by drawing “ (quoted in John Elderfield, The Drawings of Henri Matisse, London, 1984, p. 84).