Henri Matisse 5. Draw with a scissor.
The bond between Henri Matisse and Picasso was complex, to say the least, with gestures of friendship mixed with moments of rivalry and suspicion. Matisse's annual tradition of sending Picasso orange boxes was met with playful boasting from Picasso, who proudly displayed the oranges without ever consuming them.
However, their relationship took a strange turn when Picasso sent a wealthy American businessman to purchase one of Matisse's paintings for a hefty sum of cash. Matisse couldn't help but wonder if Picasso was now paying for artistic inspiration. To his dismay, when he attempted to deposit the money in the bank, he discovered it was counterfeit—an unexpected twist that perhaps strained their relationship even further.
As Matisse entered his seventies, he faced the challenge of duodenal cancer. In the hospital, he found solace and assistance from Monique Bourgeois, a nurse. Despite his declining health and inability to hold a brush, Monique became his muse, aiding him in artistic endeavors by cutting and pasting paper with scissors—a testament to the enduring power of creativity and human connection, even in the face of adversity.
1947 Jazz book
1943 the Heart
1946 Polynesia, the sky
1952 La Perruche et la Sirene
Monique, who had once cared for Henri Matisse during his illness, made a significant life decision to become a nun. Moved by her kindness and assistance, Matisse readily agreed when she asked him to design a chapel, despite his personal beliefs.
With his characteristic dedication to his craft, Matisse poured his creative energy into designing stained glass windows and paintings for the chapel. The result was the breathtaking Rosary Chapel, located in the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence.
This collaboration between Matisse and Monique stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of art. Though Matisse may not have shared Monique's religious convictions, his belief in her and their shared humanity drove him to create something of enduring beauty and spiritual significance.
1949 Stained glass window of the abside of the Rosary Chapel
Mural of the cathedral seen in the Henri Matisse exhibition
As Henri Matisse entered his 80s, his health declined, limiting his ability to create using traditional methods. Despite this, he continued to express his artistic vision through the medium of cut-outs, wielding scissors with remarkable dexterity.
In a poignant gesture, Matisse drew a final painting with a pen for Lydia, who had visited him during this time. This act of creativity and connection served as a testament to the enduring bond between them.
Tragically, in 1954, Henri Matisse passed away from a heart attack. His legacy, however, lives on through his groundbreaking contributions to modern art and his unwavering dedication to creativity and expression until the very end.
1951 Nude with oranges
Henri Matisse found his final resting place in the Monastery of Notre Dame de Cimiez. This serene location serves as a fitting tribute to the artist, providing a peaceful sanctuary where his legacy can be honored and remembered for generations to come.
