Henri Matisse

After studying law, Matisse decided to pursue art and moved to Paris in 1891, where he studied first at the Académie Julian and later in Gustave Moreau’s studio at the École des Beaux-Arts. He discovered the work of Post-Impressionists such as Cézanne and Van Gogh, and later explored Neo-Impressionism, exhibiting at the Salon des Indépendants. In 1904 and 1905, his stays in the south of France, particularly in Collioure, led to a breakthrough in colour and the development of Fauvism. In the following years, he also turned to sculpture and continued experimenting with colour and composition, drawing inspiration from his travels in Europe and North Africa. In 1917, he settled in Nice, where he developed compositions featuring female figures and interior scenes. He also pursued printmaking throughout his career. Following major surgery in 1941, reduced mobility led him to explore new techniques, particularly cut-paper compositions, which became central to his late work. He continued creating until his death in 1954, aged 84.