The Black Shawl (Lorette VII), 1918
Henri Matisse
French, 1869-1954
Oil on canvas
26-1/2 x 50-3/4 in. (67.3 x 128.9 cm)
Norton Simon Art Foundation, Gift of Mr. Norton Simon
M.1982.3.P
© 2008 Succession H. Matisse, Paris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
On view
While living in Nice (1917-1930), Matisse worked endlessly on the fusion of color, space, and light. The volume of pictorial space in this painting is firmly delineated by the undecorated yellow walls and the long, reclining body of Lorette, his Italian model. The thick black lines of her hair, body, and clothing place her solidly on the bed. Gravity is relieved only by the light floral patterns of the bedspread.
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