Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse, the revolutionary and influential artist of the early 20th century, was born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau, Picardy, France. He is best known for his expressive color and form of the Fauvist style.

On July 1, 1887, Henri Matisse's career before becoming an artist began.

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 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.

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.

Henri Matisse created the painting 'Red Room (Harmony in Red)' in 1908, known for its vibrant colors and bold composition.

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.

A copy of Matisse's controversial painting 'Nu bleu' nude from 1907, along with two other works, were burned in effigy by Art Institute students during the New York Armory Show's Chicago visit.

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 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 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 created his first color lithograph for Mourlot, which was a poster based on his painting La Reve. This marked a significant milestone in his lithographic work.

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 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.

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.