290 / 462
392
●
HENRI MATISSE
Nu au coussin bleu
.
Lithograph, 1924. 615x475 mm; 24
1
/
4
x18
3
/
4
inches, full margins.One
of 10 numbered artist’s proofs, aside from the edition of 50. Signed,
inscribed “epr. d’artiste” and numbered 6/10 in pencil, lower margin.
A superb, evenly-printed impression of this large, important lithograph
with strong contrasts.
Though famous for his paintings and sculptures,Matisse (1869-1954)
was also a prolific printmaker, producing over 800 individual prints
(typically in editions of 25 to 50) from 1900 to 1954. He moved
freely between various printmaking techniques and used print-
making as an extension of his drawing style and process.The imagery
he created often was repeated forms of reclining nudes, portraits or
dancing bodies drawn with elegant and energetic contour lines.
Matisse found printmaking to be an exciting medium that allowed
innovation while also enabling him to produce works in multiples
to satisfy the increasing demand for his art. The wide dissemination
and demand for Matisse’s printed work undoubtedly contributed
immensely to his position as a preeminent artist of the 20th century.
This lithograph is based on Matisse’s same-titled oil painting, also
from 1924, formerly in the collection of Mrs. Sidney F. Brody (sold
Christie’s,NewYork,May 4, 2010, lot 22). In this iconic Matisse pose,
the model appears to make look effortless what is actually a difficult
and somewhat exerting position, revisited by Matisse at the end of
his career in the more abstract, blue nude cut-outs from the early
1950s (see lot 400). Duthuit 442.
[40,000/60,000]