Matisse's Blue Nudes: The Fascinating Story Behind a Modern Masterpiece
In April 1952, Henri Matisse produced his final series, the Blue Nudes (Nus bleus I–IV), which reflects his innovative approach to figure representation and 'painting with scissors.' Lydia Delectorskaya, his muse, observed that each cut-out took between ten and fifteen minutes to create. Transitioning from painting to gouache cut-outs in his studio at the Hôtel Régina in Nice, Matisse maintained a consistent pose reminiscent of earlier works like Nu couché I (1907–1908). Nus bleus I, II, and III were swiftly crafted from single sheets, whereas Nu bleu IV, which was both the first initiated and the last finished, required several sessions and preparatory sketches. This series is featured in the exhibition 'Matisse 1941–1954' at the Grand Palais in Paris, running until July 26.
Key facts
- The Blue Nudes series was created in April 1952.
- Lydia Delectorskaya stated each cut-out took 10–15 minutes.
- Matisse worked at the Hôtel Régina in Nice.
- Nu bleu IV was the first worked on and last completed, requiring multiple sessions.
- The series shares a consistent pose: right arm behind neck, left arm down, left leg bent.
- The pose appears in earlier works: Nu couché I (1907–1908), Nu bleu (souvenir de Biskra) (1907), Grand nu couché (1935).
- Nu bleu IV uses multiple blue gouache elements to suggest relief.
- The series originated from La Perruche et la Sirène (1952–1953, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam).
- Matisse considered blue the color of volume and distance.
- White backgrounds evoke Oriental art and emphasize voids.
- The Blue Nudes are at the Grand Palais exhibition 'Matisse 1941–1954' until July 26.
Entities
Artists
- Henri Matisse
- Lydia Delectorskaya
- Claudine Grammont
- Alfred Barr
- André Rouveyre
Institutions
- Connaissance des Arts
- Grand Palais
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
- Fondation Beyeler
- Musée d'Orsay
- National Gallery of Art Washington
- Musée Matisse Nice
- Citadelles & Mazenod
Locations
- Nice
- France
- Hôtel Régina
- Paris
- square Jean-Perrin
- avenue du Général-Eisenhower
- 75008 Paris
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Bâle
- Switzerland
- Riehen
- Basel
- Washington
- United States