Matisse: In 50 works

by John Cauman

This enthralling and comprehensive new book on Henri Matisse is an eye-opener for all students and art lovers interested in early twentieth-century art. Taking fifty of Matisse's most iconic works of art, John Cauman provides an accessible narrative about the man and his work, deciphering the themes, methods and intentions of this truly great artist. Chronologically spanning from the late nineteenth century to the mid 1950s, each painting, drawing and mural is described and analysed in beautiful detail, within the context of the period, so that the reader can really understand what the artist was hoping to achieve with each work. The paintings are prefaced by an informative introduction that presents the milieu and key characters that featured in Matisse's life. Among his most famous works, this book includes Luxe, calme et volupté (1904), Le Bonheur de vivre (The Joy of Life) (1905–6), Self-Portrait in a Striped Shirt (1906), Blue Nude (Memory of Biskra) (1907), Bathers by a River (1909-17), Harmony in Red (1908), Dance I (1909), Entrance to the Casbah (1912-13), Pianist and Checker Players (1924), Still Life with a Magnolia (1941), Memory of Oceania (1951–2) and The Snail (1953).

Genres: Art

144 pages, Hardcover

Published July 2, 2019

Reviews

[Kirti Upreti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year I have begun exploring western art history and this book was one of the most enlightening milestones on this journey.

A few months ago I hadn't even known the name of Henri Matisse and now after having gone through the intricacies of some of his works, I feel a sudden spark of joy in my mind and a sense of newly-found wisdom. We don't need to constantly find new things to look at, rather we can look at the same thing again and again and find new meanings and beauty. Matisse's mind is absolutely awe-inspiring; he is a true avant-garde.

I wonder what took me so long to develop interest in this world of colourful dreams but now that I am here I hope to live this beautiful dream for as long as I am alive.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with a brief biography of Matisse with reference images. It then goes on to present 50 of his works sequentially with descriptions that include historical and personal context as well as analysis.

[James Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Melanie Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, so inspiring.

[Jay Perennial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal artist, this shows his key works in chronological order with brief and insightful commentary. In total you get a great overview of his precursors and the techniques used.

[Julie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Matisse so I loved this book. Just having so many of his paintings to look and read about on my table whenever I felt like being inspired. Thoroughly enjoyable.