The affair with Lydia Electorskaya
As Henri Matisse's paintings gained widespread acclaim, they flew off the shelves, securing him substantial financial wealth. With his newfound success, Matisse devised a plan to seek fresh inspiration once again.
Turning his sights to Morocco, located adjacent to Algeria where he had previously found inspiration for "The Dance," Matisse embarked on a seven-month journey fueled by his ample resources.
Unlike the vibrant intensity of Algerian landscapes, Morocco offered a different palette of colors. During this time, Matisse's paintings underwent a transformation, becoming calmer and softer, mirroring the serene beauty of Morocco's landscapes. This shift reflected Matisse's ability to adapt his artistic style to the nuances of his surroundings, continuing to evolve and explore new artistic territories.
The bay of Tangier (1912)
The onset of World War I in 1914 cast a shadow of gloom over the entire world, and Henri Matisse was not immune to its effects. The brutality and devastation of the war left a profound impact on him, influencing the tone and mood of his artworks.
During this period, Matisse's once vibrant and lively colors took on a darker, sharper, and colder quality, mirroring the somber atmosphere of the times. Like many artists of his generation, Matisse's palette reflected the collective sense of anguish and despair brought about by the war.
View of Notre dame (1914)
During the war, painters found themselves stifled, unable to practice their craft. It wasn't until 1917 that Henri Matisse sought refuge in the picturesque neighborhood of Nice in southern France. Despite the war's end the following year, Matisse found the richness and beauty of Nice irresistible, prompting him to settle there permanently. He only made occasional trips to Paris for exhibitions.
As Matisse entered his sixties, managing his expansive studio in Paris became a challenge. In a stroke of fate, 22-year-old Lydia Delectorskaya, a Russian refugee, applied for the position. Passionate and beautiful, Lydia proved to be an exceptional manager, running the studio single-handedly. She not only managed sales but also served as Matisse's assistant and model.
Lydia's contributions were indispensable to Matisse's studio's functioning. He painted Lydia prolifically, creating over 100 paintings featuring her, including numerous nudes. Her presence not only invigorated Matisse's work but also played a crucial role in the operational success of his studio.
Woman with purple lydia (1937)
Pink nude (1935)
Romanian blouse (1940)
Idol (1942)
The close bond between Henri Matisse and Lydia Delectorskaya led to misunderstandings with his wife, Amélie. Amélie, feeling neglected and suspicious of their relationship, confronted Matisse about his late nights and numerous nude paintings featuring Lydia.
In a fit of rage, Amélie demanded Matisse to choose between her and Lydia. Despite Lydia's affection for Matisse, their relationship was not officially romantic. Ultimately, Matisse chose his wife and dismissed Lydia from her position.
However, Lydia's departure left Matisse feeling a sense of guilt and responsibility. When he learned of her suicide attempt, he was deeply moved and brought her back to assist him in running his studio in Paris. This turn of events marked a poignant chapter in Matisse's life, highlighting the complexities of love, loyalty, and human connection.
Young Woman in a blue blouse (1939)
Amélie's anger only intensified when Henri Matisse chose to bring Lydia back into their lives. The strain on their marriage became unbearable, and ultimately, they decided to part ways. They officially divorced when Matisse was 70 years old, marking the end of their long-standing relationship. This chapter in Matisse's life underscores the personal sacrifices and complexities that often accompany the pursuit of artistic passion.
