Henri Matisse, born on Dec 31, 1869, was a renowned French artist known for his use of color and fluid shapes. Initially trained as a lawyer, he began his artistic career at the age of 21.
Henri Matisse, a prominent artist in the art history, was born on December 31, 1869.
On July 1, 1887, Henri Matisse's career before becoming an artist began.
In 1888, Henri Matisse successfully passed the bar exam and secured a position as a law clerk.
In 1889, while recovering from appendicitis at home, Henri Matisse discovers his passion for painting when his mother brings him art supplies.
July 1, 1890 marks the beginning of Henri Matisse's journey as a painter.
In 1891, Henri Matisse focused on his education, shaping his artistic skills.
In 1892, Henri Matisse leaves Académie Julian to study at the École des Arts Décoratifs and joins the studio of Gustave Moreau, a symbolist painter who influences Matisse's artistic style.
In 1894, Henri Matisse's daughter Marguerite was born to his model, Caroline Joblau. Marguerite would later become a model herself.
Henri Matisse started exhibiting his early work in 1895, which was influenced by the academic style he learned during his studies in Paris. His early work showed elements of Neoclassicism, Realism, Impressionism, and Neo-Impressionism.
In 1896, Henri Matisse exhibited four paintings at the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and achieved a triumph. His painting 'Woman Reading' was purchased by the government, marking a significant milestone in his career.
On July 1, 1897, Henri Matisse explored the artistic style of Impressionism.
Henri Matisse tied the knot on July 1, 1898.
In 1899, Henri Matisse's son Jean was born. Despite facing financial constraints, Matisse continued to collect revolutionary art pieces by impressionists like Cézanne's Three Bathers and became less interested in impressionism after being inspired by post-impressionists' vibrant colors.
In 1900, Matisse's second son, Pierre, was born. Despite financial struggles, Matisse accepted work on the decoration of the Grand Palais while his wife, Amelie, opened a boutique to support the family financially.
Henri Matisse started submitting his art to Salon des Indépendants, an art exhibition in Paris, as he gained more experience as a painter.
In 1902, Matisse presented his work in a group show at the gallery of Berthe Weill. He also returned to his childhood home in Bohain with his wife and children for a short period.
In 1903, Matisse and his peers from Moreau's studio and the Académie Carrière were instrumental in the formation of the Salon d'Automne.
Henri Matisse created the painting 'Luxe, Calme et Volupté' in 1904.
Henri Matisse held his first solo exhibition showcasing his artworks in 1904.
Henri Matisse created the painting 'Pastoral' in 1905.
On July 1, 1905, the Salon d'Automne exhibition took place, showcasing various artworks including Henri Matisse's 'Open Window, 1905'.
In 1906, Henri Matisse became deeply interested in lithography, a printing process that allowed him to create black and white illustrations and over 100 original lithographs at the Mourlot studio. His lithographs often featured serial imagery like reclining nudes, interiors, and portraits.
In 1907, a group of Matisse's admirers establish the Académie Matisse, a private art academy in Paris where Matisse teaches periodically until 1911. This initiative reflects the recognition and respect for Matisse's artistic contributions.
Henri Matisse created the painting 'Red Room (Harmony in Red)' in 1908, known for its vibrant colors and bold composition.
Henri Matisse met the renowned American photographer Alfred Stieglitz in 1909. This encounter marked the beginning of a notable relationship between the two artists, fostering mutual respect and artistic exchange.
In 1910, Henri Matisse creates two major works, La Danse and Music, as part of a commission for Shchukin. La Danse is one of his iconic pieces, with a second version housed in The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
On October 23, 1911, Henri Matisse arrives in Moscow and visits the Tretyakov Gallery. He is captivated by the collection of Russian icons, spending his time exploring monasteries, churches, and convents to see more sacred images.
During the winters of 1912 and 1913, Henri Matisse spends time in Morocco to enhance his color palette under the Mediterranean sun.
In 1913, a copy of Matisse's controversial painting 'Nu bleu nude' from 1907, along with two other works, is burned in effigy by students of The Art Institute of Chicago following the New York Armory Show.
The artwork 'Vase of Sunflowers' by Henri Matisse was created on July 1, 1916.
In 1917, Henri Matisse relocates to Cimiez and primarily resides at Hotel Regina in the French Riviera, a suburb of Nice.
In 1920, the first book about Matisse is published, recognizing his significant contributions to modern art during his lifetime.
In 1921, Matisse relocates to Nice permanently, leading to a change in his artistic style with lighter and brighter colors. He also delves into printmaking during this period.
In 1925, Henri Matisse is honored with the title of chevalier of the Legion of Honor, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts.
In 1927, Henri Matisse achieves the first prize at the Carnegie International Exhibition held in Pittsburgh, showcasing his artistic excellence and talent.
In 1930, Henri Matisse accepted a commission to paint a mural titled 'The Dance II' for the Pennsylvania estate of art collector Albert Barnes. The mural was completed in 1933.
In 1931, Matisse is commissioned by Dr. Albert Barnes to create a mural titled Dance II. He also designs illustrations for poetry collections.
In 1932, American art collector Albert C. Barnes convinces Henri Matisse to create a large mural, The Dance II, for the Barnes Foundation.
In May 1933, Henri Matisse completed a large mural titled 'The Dance' for Dr. Albert Barnes, a prominent collector of modern art in America. The mural featured female figures in motion against an abstract background, showcasing Matisse's new technique of using cutout shapes of colored paper.
In 1935, Henri Matisse meets the Russian model Lydia Delectorskaya.
In 1937, Henri Matisse created the artwork 'Small Odalisque In Purple Robe', showcasing his distinctive style and artistic vision.
In 1939, after 41 years of marriage, Henri Matisse and his wife Amelie separated.
On July 1, 1940, Henri Matisse was known for his innovative artistic style known as Cutouts, which involved creating colorful and dynamic compositions by cutting and arranging shapes.
In 1941, Henri Matisse undergoes surgery for his intestinal problems, which leaves him bedridden. During this time, he experiments with paper cut outs due to the medium's ease, leading to the creation of several paper murals.
Matisse lives in Vence at the villa 'Le Reve' from this year until 1948.
In 1946, Henri Matisse created the artwork 'Icarus', showcasing his unique artistic vision and creativity.
In September 1947, Henri Matisse publishes his limited edition art book titled 'Jazz', a collection of his thoughts about life and creative pursuits, accompanied by his paper cut out images. This publication showcases Matisse's artistic and literary talents.
On July 1, 1948, Henri Matisse was involved in decorating the Chapel of the Rosary.
In June 1951, a large crowd gathers in Vence, south France to witness the Bishop blessing what Matisse considers his 'masterpiece' at the Dominican chapel of Notre-Dame.
In 1952, Matisse peacefully works on creating decorations for the chapel, using a charcoal-tipped stick to draw designs on his bedroom walls, which he later transfers to tiles and stained glass. This project marks his final artistic endeavor as he declares his readiness to depart.
The artwork 'The Snail' was created by Henri Matisse in 1953.
Henri Matisse, one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th century, passed away on November 3, 1954, in Nice, France, at the age of 84. His legacy continues to inspire artists worldwide.
In 1958, a suite of 39 lithographs was published posthumously, recreating Henri Matisse's famous paper cut-outs. Among these, Nu Bleu X and XI are the most recognized, featuring the iconic blue dancing figure from the Jazz series.
In 2009, Henri Matisse's painting 'Les coucous, tapis bleu et rose' painted in 1911 was sold for $45.95 million at the Yves Saint Laurent estate art auction.
In 2010, a new Matisse record was set with the sale of a 1978 cast of his sculpture of a woman’s back from 1930, fetching $49 million at an auction in Christie’s New York.
In 2018, Henri Matisse's Odalisque 'couchée aux magnolias' from 1923 was sold for $80.8 million, setting a new Matisse record.
The exhibition 'Matisse and the Sea' showcases the artist Henri Matisse's deep connection and love for the color blue through his artworks featuring marine themes.