Henri Matisse, Nu assis, main tenant le menton (Seated Nude, Holding Chin), 1906

Artist: Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)
Title:Nu assis, main tenant le menton (Seated Nude, Holding Chin), 1906
Reference:Duthuit 398
Medium:Lithograph on Japon nacré
Image Size:16 3/4 in x 8 7/8 in (42.5 cm x 22.5 cm)
Sheet Size:19 3/4 in x 11 in (50.2 cm x 27.9 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 22 in x 19 3/4 in (55.9 cm x 50.2 cm)
Edition:Inscribed "Essai" (proof) in pencil in the lower left; a rare, early trial proof before the edition of 25.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 - Nice, 1954) in pencil in the lower left.
Condition:This work is in good condition.
ID #w-5259

Historical Description

Henri Matisse Nu assis, main tenant le menton (Seated Nude, Holding Chin), 1906 is beautiful in its simplicity. Gently colored black lines outline the woman's figure. At a glance, the lithograph appears like like a pencil sketch. This effect enhances the candid quality of the image. It is almost as if the artist captured this woman spontaneously, preserving this genuine moment forever. Well known for his representation of the female form, Matisse presents a contemplative female here. Her body is conveyed realistically, with each curve created to showcase her natural body movement. Her curled hair charmingly frames her angular face, creating a beautiful contrast in her visage.  With lovely curves and a softness that emotes femininity, Matisse captures her in the smooth strokes for which he is famous for.  That almost unworldly rawness, with her facial expression in a moment of contemplation, leaves the viewer wondering what the muse is thinking as the master draws her.

Created in 1906, this lithograph on Japon nacré is hand-signed by Henri Matisse (Le Cateau-Cambrésis, 1869 - Nice, 1954) in pencil in the lower left. Inscribed "Essai" (proof) in pencil in the lower left; a rare, early trial proof before the edition of 25.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Matisse Seated Nude, Holding Chin (Nu assis, main tenant le menton), 1906  is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Duthuit-Matisse, M. & Duthuit, C. (1983). Henri Matisse: Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre grave établi avec la collaboration de Françoise Garnaud. Jean Guichard-Meili: Paris. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 398.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Matisse Seated Nude, Holding Chin (Nu assis, main tenant le menton), 1906  is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with linen-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Romantic Classic Under $15k Femme