Art History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Art History

Artists in 60 Seconds: Henri Matisse

French Painter and Sculptor

By Shelley Esaak, About.com

© Succession H Matisse, Paris / DACS; used with permission

Henri Matisse (French, 1869-1954). The Dance, 1910. Oil on canvas. 260 x 391 cm (102 3/8 x 153 15/16 in.).

The State Hermitage Museum, St Peterburg / © Succession H Matisse, Paris / DACS

Movement, Style, School or Type of Art

Fauvism

Date and Place of Birth

December 31, 1869, Le Cateau–Cambrésis, France

Life

Matisse, nearly forty by 1905, was the ringleader of the Fauves. His works are characterized by big blocks of bold, vibrant colors and a deceptive simplicity. He and Picasso are probably the two artists who had the greatest influence on the course of 20th century art.

Important Works

  • Madame Matisse ("The Green Line"), 1905
  • La Joie de Vivre, 1905-06
  • The Dance, 1910
  • The Red Studio, 1911
  • Icarus, 1947

Date and Place of Death

November 3, 1954, Nice, France

Go to Artist Profiles: Names beginning with "M" or Artist Profiles: Main Index

Explore Art History

About.com Special Features

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

The Business School Lowdown

Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >

Art History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Art History
  4. Artists A to Z
  5. Artists From A to Z
  6. Names Beginning With M
  7. Henri Matisse Bio - French Fauvist Painter Henri Matisse

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.