Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954) Marie-José en robe jaune

Description:

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954)

Marie-José en robe jaune, 1950, edition of 100 (Duthuit-Matisse, 817). Signed and numbered "H. Matisse/26/100" in crayon l.r. Color aquatint on Arches paper with watermark, plate size 21 1/8 x 16 7/16 in. (53.5 x 41.6 cm),framed.
Condition: Full sheet with deckled edges, sheet gently toned, colors strong and fresh, staining near edges of sheet, pinpoint foxing visible primarily on verso.

Provenance: A private New England collection.

N.B. Matisse was a prolific printmaker, creating more than 800 printed works, and worked in a broad variety of techniques, embracing intaglio, relief, and planeographic processes. The work presented here is an aquatint; an intaglio process in which the artist brushes a granular resin onto a metal plate. When the plate is placed into an acid bath the particles protect the surface, creating a fine network of channels that carry ink for printing. The results are tonal effects akin to an ink wash. Typically aquatint is typically used to augment etchings and dry points by giving them more nuanced values of dark and light, but Matisse tended to use aquatint by itself. The use of a brush and the resulting values appealed to Matisse's interests in draughtsmanship and skills as a painter. While Matisse began extensive printmaking in the first decade of the 20th century, he turned to aquatint only in the 1930s.

Matisse is most famed for his expressionistic color, dating back to his Fauvist paintings. His economy of line - his ability to render figures with only a few simple gestures - is nearly as synonymous with his style. Both of these element are present in Marie-José en robe jaune. Matisse created a black and white edition of this image as well as the color version seen here. Matisse's use of line and color takes the contemplative subject of a woman seated by a table with a book open on her lap, and turns it into something animated and vigorous.
Estimate $50,000-80,000

The sheet measures 29 15/16 x 22 3/8 in. Four hinges of Japanese paper along upper edge on verso, pencil annotations to verso.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.