Chez Matisse

From his early self-portrait of 1900 to his later paintings and the iconic cut-outs from the final years of his life, a body of work unfolds that is characterised by innovation and simplicity. As well as being a painter, Matisse was also a sculptor, draughtsman, printmaker and book illustrator. It is precisely in the versatility of his work that his constant innovations in form, colour and material become apparent. Matisse developed his style step by step and steadily, driven by the conviction that true simplicity arises only through years of experimentation and refinement. Even long after his death, Matisse continues to inspire generations of artists. As a master of colour, he invites us to view his artworks and those of his contemporaries with fresh eyes. As he himself said: ‘The hallmark of modern art is that it forms part of our lives.’