Whether working as a draftsman, a sculptor, a printmaker or a painter, Henri Matisse was a master of color. Although classically trained at the Académie Julian, in Paris, he quickly abandoned traditional techniques and genres to pioneer a style all his own, marked by quick, gestural strokes and fluid contours.
Along with fellow painter André Derain, Matisse was the leading proponent of Fauvism, a movement whose name is derived from the French word for "wild beast.” Marked by vibrant hues, Fauvist paintings like Matisse’s famous 1906 composition Le Bonheur de vivre use wild, active brushstrokes and a palette unconstrained by nature, resulting in women with purple skin and trees with orange leaves. Often, these compositions unite pure color with the white of exposed canvas to create a sense of transparency and light.
In addition to masterful landscapes and still lifes, Matisse loved to paint erotic subjects, particularly the female nude. Rejecting strict realism, he distilled the form into its essential parts and then translated these into voluptuous, rounded contours. With its striking colors and sculptural modeling of the figure, Odalisque couchée aux magnolias is among Matisse’s most famous works — and the most expensive work of his ever sold — depicting Henriette Darricarrère, his muse and favorite model for around seven years, lounging luxuriously in his Nice studio. In pictures like the lithograph Nu Bleu, he explored the expressive power of a body in motion by placing his figures in twisted or contorted poses, transforming their limbs into tangles of color and shape that push figure painting toward abstraction.
Find original Henri Matisse prints, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
Henri Matisse Crayon Drawing Direct from Matisse Estate
By Henri Matisse
Located in Dallas, TX
Henri Matisse (French 1869-1954) Pencil Drawing Of A Working Horse Catalogued as Number Z 548 in the Artist Archives Pencil on paper, c. 1900, signed with initials 'HM' lower right....
Paper, Crayon
Henri Matisse ( French, 1869 - 1954 ) Portrait Limited Edition Etching
By Henri Matisse
Located in New York, NY
Medium: Limited Edition Etching Style: Portrait Painting Size: 11 x 15 inches Condition: This artwork is in great condition for its age. Please note: the number edition may vary. ...
Canvas, Etching
Henri Matisse Pencil Of Nude By Chair From Matisse Estate
By Henri Matisse
Located in Dallas, TX
Henri Matisse Original Pencil On Paper Study Of A Standing Nude Next To Chair Pencil on paper Unsigned. Sheet: 8.85 x 13.75 Inches Framed: 25....
Paper
Henri Matisse Drawing Of A Nude Torso From Matisse Estate
By Henri Matisse
Located in Dallas, TX
Henri Matisse (French 1869-1954) Pencil Drawing Of A nude torso Catalogued as Number Z 542 in the Artist Archives Pencil on paper, c. 1900. Sheet: 9 3/8 x 11 3/4 in. Framed: 22...
Paper
Patchwork Abstracted Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstracted landscape by an unknown artist (20th Century). The landscape is made up of patches of color, reminiscent of viewing agricultural land f...
Paper, Pastel, Ink, Watercolor, Newsprint, Tissue Paper
Bloom I - Floral Flower Abstract Mixed Media Oversized Artwork
By Sally K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gazing at Lebanese American artist Sally K.'s floral artworks is consuming and empowering. Inspired by the endless variety of beautiful flowers, she creates pop-realistic paintings t...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
$2,200
H 28 in W 22 in D 1.25 in
Beach (Gestural Abstract, Warm, Soft, Summer, Spring, Vibrant)
By Katherine Bello
Located in Kansas City, MO
Katherine Bello Beach Oil on Canvas 2021 Size: 28 x 22 x 1.25 inches (71.1 × 55.9 × 3.2 cm) Signed, dated and titled by hand COA provided *On Stretcher Frame, Gallery-wrapped - read...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
$2,000
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 0.04 in
French Modern Art by Jean Cocteau - Le Lézard et Le Page
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Paris, IDF
Etching or eau-forte on archival paper with H.C. in pencil at lower left, indicating a Hors Commerce (Artist's/Publisher's Proof) including pencil signature that appears to read Jean...
Archival Paper, Etching
$2,200
H 28 in W 22 in D 1.25 in
Giselle (Gestural Abstract, Vibrant, Warm, Atmospheric)
By Katherine Bello
Located in Kansas City, MO
Giselle Oil on Canvas 2021 Size: 28 x 22 x 1.25 inches (71.1 × 55.9 × 3.2 cm) Signed in front on lower right Signed, dated and titled verso COA provided *On Stretcher Frame, Galler...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
$5,896Sale Price|37% Off
H 39.57 in W 32.88 in
Dutch-Flemish Baroque old master - Late 17th century nobleman portrait oil
Located in Varmo, IT
European master (17th–18th century) - Portrait of a Nobleman. 81 x 65 cm (without frame) - 100.5 x 83.5 cm (with frame). Oil on canvas, in a carved and gilded wooden frame (not sig...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of William Chiffinch
By John Riley
Located in London, GB
John Riley 1646 – 1691 Portrait of William Chiffinch (c.1602-88) Oil on canvas Image size: 30 x 25 inches Original frame Another version of this can be found in the Dulwich Pictur...
Canvas, Oil
Red Flowers on Turquoise
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic painting on canvas Size: 70 × 90 × 2 cm (unframed) This artwork is sold unstretched, but I can arrange for it to be stretched upon request. The artwork comes with the a Certificate of Authenticity. Artworks are shipped rolled in a secure tube. This is a safe and reliable packaging method that ensures your artwork arrives in perfect condition while keeping shipping costs affordable. This minimalist painting features vibrant red flowers in a white vase, set against a calming turquoise background. Inspired by the styles of David Hockney and Henri Matisse, the artwork combines abstract shapes with bold brush strokes, creating a modern, eye-catching piece for your home. Painted with acrylic on canvas, it brings a playful yet elegant touch to any room. Ideal for lovers of contemporary art, this piece is perfect for brightening up living spaces, bedrooms, or offices. Add a pop of color and sophistication to your wall with this striking floral painting Minimalist red flowers in white vase with turquoise background, abstract acrylic painting inspired by David Hockney and Henri Matisse red flowers painting, minimalist art, abstract floral, turquoise background, white vase artwork, Hockney inspired, Matisse style, modern wall art, acrylic flower painting...
Paper, Oil Pastel
$2,500
H 32 in W 39.5 in
Untitled Abstract Landscape Oil Pastel Painting Figurative Abstraction
By John Evans
Located in Surfside, FL
John Evans (American, b. 1945), Untitled oilstick on paper, signed in pencil lower center, gallery label (Allan Stone Gallery, New York) affixed verso, sheet: sight size is 22"h x 3...
Paper, Oil Pastel
$3,900
H 31 in W 22 in D 1 in
Impressionist Painting of a Young Spanish Flamenco Dancer by J.C. Arter
By John Charles Arter
Located in Rochester, NY
Wonderful impressionist painting. Full of light, color, and movement. "The Flamenco Dancer by J. Charles Arter ( American 1860-1923). Oil on canvas. Signed upper left. Circa 1900. Unframed. Born in Hanoverton, Ohio, Charles Arter studied in Cincinnati and Paris at the Academie Julian. He had studios in Venice, London and New York and painted portraits of many famous personages including Pope Pius X...
Canvas, Oil
$6,500
H 34.5 in W 30.25 in
Leaning on a Pedestal: Early 20th Century Black Drypoint Etching
By Paul César Helleu
Located in Naples, Florida
Leaning on a Pedestal Paul-César Helleu (1859-1927) JEUNE FEMME EN BUSTE, DE PROFIL À DROITE Black drypoint, circa 1900, on wove paper, signed and annotated 29 in pencil, with full ...
Paper, Drypoint, Etching
$500
H 18 in W 15 in
1950s "Black Floor" Mid Century Bay Area Figurative Movement Gouache Painting
Located in Arp, TX
From the estate of Jerry Opper & Ruth Friedman Opper Black Floor c. 1940-1950's Gouache on Paper 15" x 18" Unframed *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 weeks. From the estate of Ruth Friedmann Opper & Jerry Opper. Ruth was the daughter of Bauhaus artist, Gustav Friedmann. San Francisco Abstract Expression A free-spirited wave of creative energy swept through the San Francisco art community after World War II. Challenging accepted modes of painting, Abstract Expressionists produced highly experimental works that jolted the public out of its postwar complacency. Abstract Expressionism resulted from a broad collective impulse rather than the inspiration of a small band of New York artists. Documenting the interchanges between the East and West Coasts, she cites areas of mutual influence and shows the impact of San Francisco on the New York School, including artists such as Mark Rothko and Ad Reinhardt. San Francisco's Beat poets...
Paper, Gouache
Sold
H 11 in W 15 in
Henri Matisse ( French, 1869 - 1954 ) Portrait Limited Edition Etching
By Henri Matisse
Located in New York, NY
Medium: Limited Edition Etching Style: Portrait Painting Size: 11 x 15 inches Condition: This artwork is in great condition for its age. Please note: the number edition may vary. ...
Etching, Canvas
Sold
H 11 in W 15 in
Henri Matisse ( French, 1869 - 1954 ) Portrait Limited Edition Etching
By Henri Matisse
Located in New York, NY
Medium: Limited Edition Etching Style: Portrait Painting Size: 11 x 15 inches Condition: This artwork is in great condition for its age. Please note: the number edition may vary. ...
Canvas, Etching
Nu Bleu III
By Henri Matisse
Located in Naples, Florida
Nu Bleu III
Lithograph
Vue de Belle-île by Henri Matisse
By Henri Matisse
Located in New Orleans, LA
Henri Matisse 1869-1954 French Vue de Belle-île Signed "Henri Matisse" (lower right) Oil on canvas A kaleidoscope of color and texture, Henri Matisse’s Vue de Belle-île captures the sublime beauty its namesake–a small island off of the Brittany coast. A rare early painting from the artist’s prolific body of work, this composition reflects a pivotal moment in the artist’s career when he began to turn away from the traditional style and muted colors he practiced in the Beaux-Arts studio of Gustave Moreau and experiment with a more vibrant and creative palette. Matisse made his first pilgrimage to Belle-île in 1895. Initially, the task of capturing the unbridled power of the rough seas and rugged coast intimidated the young painter, and he quickly left. Matisse returned the following summer, determined to brave the elements with an open mind and master his renderings of the seaside landscape. Matisse befriended John Peter Russell...
Canvas, Oil
La Chute
By Henri Matisse
Located in Palm Desert, CA