HENRI MATISSE (FRENCH 1869-1954)
Le Loup (The Wolf)
1947
pochoir in colours on Arches wove
with the center fold as issued
from the unnumbered edition of 250
from Jazz
printed by Edmon Vairel, Draeger Freres, published by Teraide, Paris
sheet 42 x 64.5cm
framed
ARR

Note: Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a revolutionary French artist, arguably one of the most iconic of the early 20^th century. A master of colour, form, and composition, Matisse was a leading figure in the Fauvist movement. Throughout his illustrious career, he continually pushed the boundaries of artistic conventions, evolving from traditional painting to groundbreaking forms of expression later on in his career.

Matisse turned to cut-paper collages, often referred to as ‘cut outs,’ later in his career due to physical limitations. The cut-out technique involved Matisse cutting shapes and forms from painted paper and arranging them into compositions, called maquettes. This method allowed him to continue creating art in a more physically manageable way. The Jazz portfolio is a significant example of Matisse’s artistic output during this transformative period.

Inspired by childhood memories of the circus, folklore and exotic voyages to the South Seas, Jazz is a series of 20 prints filled with vibrant colours, playful shapes and theatre.

This pochoir print is, by nature of the printing process, hand finished. A stunning and rare example from the unnumbered edition of 250 made directly from the original maquette compositions Matisse executed from his sick bed.