Henri Matisse is a French painter famous for his exceptional use of color and expressive, fluid painting style.
He is a leading figure in modern art and, along with Pablo Picasso, is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Matisse’s vibrant and innovative work had a profound impact on the development of painting and sculpture.
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- Full name: Henri Émile Benoît Matisse
- Date of birth: December 31, 1869
- Age as of 2024: Will be 155 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Nord, France
- Nationality: French
- Occupation: Artist (Painter, Draftsman, Printmaker, Sculptor)
- Height: 5′ 4″ (163 cm)
- Parents: Émile Hippolyte Matisse (father), Anna Heloise Gerard (mother)
- Siblings: One brother, Auguste
- Spouse: Amélie Noellie Parayre (married 1898)
- Children: Marguerite, Jean, Pierre
- Relationship status: Dead
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: 1 million USD
Early life and education
Henri Émile Benoît Matisse, who will turn 155 in 2024, was born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, northern France. His parents, Émile Hippolyte Matisse and Anna Heloise Gerard, owned a grain business.
Matisse’s childhood was spent in the small town of Bohain-en-Vermandois, where he received a traditional education. He initially pursued a career in law, studying in Paris and working as a court administrator at Le Cateau-Cambrésis.
However, a bout of appendicitis in 1889 proved to be a turning point in his life. While recovering, his mother gave him a box of paints to keep him busy and he discovered a passion for art that would change his path forever.
At age 20, Matisse abandoned his career as a lawyer and devoted himself entirely to art, over his father’s objections. He began taking drawing classes at Quentin de la Tour in Saint-Quentin, and in 1891 he moved to Paris to study art formally.
He enrolled at the Académie Julian, where he studied under William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Gustave Moreau. Moreau, a symbolist painter, encouraged Matisse to explore color and self-expression, recognizing his unique talent.
During this time, Matisse immersed himself in the Parisian art scene, visiting museums and galleries and copying the works of the Old Masters. He was especially drawn to the Impressionists, whose emphasis on light and color resonated with his artistic sensibility.
Personal life
In 1898, Matisse married Amélie Noellie Parayre. They have three children: Marguerite, Jean and Pierre. Amélie was a constant presence in Matisse’s life, serving as a model for many of his paintings and supporting his artistic endeavors.
However, their relationship faces many challenges. Matisse also had a daughter, Marguerite, born out of wedlock in 1894. Despite the complications in his personal life, Matisse found solace and inspiration in his family, and his wife and children often appeared as a theme in his work.
Career
Matisse was a leading figure in the Fauvist movement, a group of artists who used intense, unnatural colors to express emotions and create a sense of energy and dynamism in their paintings.
Matisse’s Fauvist works, such as “Woman in a Hat (1905)” and “Blue Stripes (1905)” caused a stir when they were exhibited, shocking and challenging the traditional art establishment. Throughout his long career, Matisse continued to experiment with different styles and techniques.
He explored the decorative qualities of pattern and design, creating works that were visually striking and emotionally resonant. He also created many sculptures, drawings and prints, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
In his later years, Matisse developed a new and innovative technique of creating images using brightly colored paper cutouts. These “cuts,” such as “The Snail (1953)” and “Memory of Oceania (1953),” are considered some of his most iconic and famous works.
Prize
- Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur (1927)
- Commander de la Légion d’honneur (1948)
- Grand Prix National des Arts (1951)
Net worth
Matisse’s net worth during his lifetime is difficult to accurately determine but is estimated to be around $1 million. As a successful artist, his income comes from selling his artwork and commissions. The value of his paintings has increased significantly since his death and his works are now among the most expensive ever sold at auction.
Death
Matisse died on November 3, 1954, in Nice, France, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking artistic innovation and a body of work that continues to inspire and influence to today’s artists.
Argumentative
Matisse’s work, especially his Fauvist paintings, initially encountered fierce criticism and controversy. Critics denounced his use of bold, unnatural colors as “wild” and “barbaric.” Some people even thought he was crazy.
However, Matisse remained committed to his artistic vision and his work gradually became accepted and welcomed. Today, he is recognized as a master of modern art and his paintings are celebrated for their beauty, expressiveness, and revolutionary impact on the art world.
Social Media
Book
- Jazz (1947) – A limited edition artist’s book featuring colorful paper cutouts and handwritten text by Matisse.
