Madeleine - Étude. Madeleine - A Study by Henri Matisse, 1869-1954

Henri Matisse, 1869-1954
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Madeleine - Étude. Madeleine - A Study

Original lithograph in black ink. 1950/51. Signed in pencil. Numbered (28) from the edition of 200. Drawn as part of a series of studies for the Chapel de Vence. Printed at the studio of Duchatel.
Ref: Duthuit - Matisse l'Oeuvre Gravé no 645

Excellent rich impression. On pale cream china paper mounted on a cream wove backing sheet (chine appliqué), as issued. Excellent condition; a hardly perceptible hint of old mounting - not restored. Full margins. Sheet: 19 x 12 3/4ins. Image (china paper): 8 1/2 x 7 3/4ins (215x198mm)

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The art of drawing was an absolutely essential element in Matisse's work, and it was the same for his lithography. As his daughter wrote: in his printmaking....there was no interest in combinations of technique, or an interesting mixture; there was no interest in seductive effects, or using the flattering qualities of the stone or the greasy chalk. He just drew, with different instruments, just pure drawing..' The pure action of creating a line was used either in its simplest form, or in more highly worked contrasts of tone, to create the essence of his subject.

Matisse was always insistent that his pictures should contain nothing which was superfluous to their purpose. 'Everything which is not directly useful in a picture is by the same token to be eliminated' he wrote, and nowhere is this more effective than in his drawings and prints. It is this total focus of purpose which makes them works with such a profound impact.

'Madeleine', above is one of the studies which Matisse drew in 1950 and 1951 in connection with his work on the theme of 'The Virgin - Head with a Veil' in the Chapel at Vence. Like all the works in this group they were printed onto a prepared chine appliqué - wove paper with a sheet of special 'china' paper laid onto it. Matisse chose this paper because it gives a particularly good quality of impression.