Henri Matisse, L'Espagnole (The Spaniard), 1928

Artist: Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)
Title:L'Espagnole (The Spaniard), 1928
Medium:Color Aquatint
Image Size:15 5/8 in x 10 7/8 in (39.7 cm x 27.7 cm)
Sheet Size:23 3/8 in x 17 9/16 in (59.4 cm x 44.6 cm)
Framed Size:Approx. 32 in x 26 in (81.3 cm x 66 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 200 in pencil in the lower left margin. published by Bernheim-Jeune, Paris.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 – Nice, 1954) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-5550

Historical Description

Henri Matisse L’ Espagnole (The Spaniard), 1928, is an exquisite and mysterious work featuring a dazzling array of bright, bold colors which compliment an intriguing portrait of a beautiful Spanish woman. Her gaze captures our attention, while the kaleidoscope of flora creates a background into which she seemingly disappears.

A beautiful arrangement of pinks, yellows, greys, and whites compliment the central figure of our Spaniard within the composition. She is dressed in delicately intricate costume, allowing her to become part of the overall composition of both the background and the foreground. Her intense gaze and softened expression are set against a pale, ivory face which rest in the palm of her hand. Supported and framed by a series of horizontal stripes, presumably a surface behind which she sits, this portrait integrates the viewer directly; it is as if we were sitting across from her at a café, engaged in conversation and enjoying each other’s company. She is an incredibly delightful piece to behold, a must-have to any collection.

Created in 1928, this color aquatint was created after an original painting by Henri Matisse in 1925. This work is hand signed by Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 – Nice, 1954) in pencil in the lower right margin; numbered from the edition of 200 in pencil in the lower left margin, published by Bernheim-Jeune, Paris.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Henri Matisse The Spaniard (L’ Espagnole), 1928, is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the sale of the work).

1. Ginestet, Colette de & Catherine Pouillon. Jacques Villon: Les Estampes, Les Illustrations – Catalogue Raisonné. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. E645.

2. Duthuit-Matisse, Marguerite. Henri Matisse: Catalogue raisonné de lœuvre grave Tome II. Paris: Claude Duthuit, 1983. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no.II.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, Henri Matisse The Spaniard (L’ Espagnole), 1928 is presented in a complementary gold moulding and finished with linen-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas