Product Description
Great book featuring the designs of French artist Henri Matisse for the a chapel. 42 black and white illustrations of drawings and sketches by Matisse for the chapel and photographs of the interior and exterior of the building. Statement by Matisse. Text is in French.Softcover. 65 pages. Measures 7 by 10 inches. Interesting book, nicely illustrated. ... Read more

Product Description
Fiercely competitive, Matisse and Picasso engaged in one of the most formidable artistic dialogs of this century. In Matisse and Picasso, Yve-Alain Bois stages the intertwined evolution of the two giants of modern art as though it were an ongoing game of chess between two masters.

After an overview of the extraordinarily powerful dialog between the two artists during the first part of their careers, Bois concentrates on the unique partnership as it developed from the early 1930s on, at the time when the two artists, who had been very distant from each other for more than a decade, renewed their interchange.

As Joachim Pissarro points out in the foreword of this volume, Matisse and Picasso's dense plot and rich narrative make this work read more like a suspense novel than a traditional art history treatise. Bois' thoroughly researched historical demonstration is supported by striking visual juxtapositions of works by the two artists brought together here for the first time, making this long-awaited study a major contribution to the history of twentieth-century art.

This book is published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas.275 illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dialogue--not clash--of the titans
This nimble and witty book by one of the most important scholars of modern art is not merely the sum of two monographs on these giants of the 20th century.To the now-standard operating procedure of relativism andcontextualization, Bois adds a twist.He proposes the relationship betweenthe artists as a fitful but sustaining dialogue, rejecting as inadequate tothe critical task the idea that Matisse and Picasso simply influenced oneanother.Drawing on diverse theoretical models in the writing of MikhailBakhtin, Hubert Damisch, Rene Girard and Harold Bloom, the author arguesinstead that for a period of over 25 years, from the late 1920s until afterMatisse's death in 1954, each artist deliberately addressed his work inspecific ways to the other.The theory is necessary because actual contactbetween the two was sporadic.This is what makes Bois's thesis about theirneed for one another so intriguing.What prompted this dialogue--what madethe need possible, Bois asserts--was their common cause againstabstraction.Prodding, teasing, paying homage, supplicating, evenmisunderstanding--in these and other ways Matisse and Picasso challengedeach other in their mutual effort to push the envelope of representationwithout letting the tangibility of the world's things slip from theirgrasp.When they strayed into the other's long-established artisticterritories (Picasso painting odalisques; Matisse working in a Cubistidiom) they were sending signals to each other above the artistic fray, ina kind of Olympian fraternal sympathy.This sealing off of Matisse's andPicasso's artistic communication from the rest of the world is the mostcontroversial aspect of the book, as it was of the beautiful exhibition itaccompanied at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.Bois franklycalls his effort an "experiment" in which it is necessary toisolate variables, studying them carefully in relation to one another, withthe relationship itself as the constant factor.This scientific conceit of"let's see what happens" is undermined by the humanistic drive todemonstrate a thesis.And we should be thankful for that.Like the bestpublications arising from exhibitions, this book will have independent,lasting value, but it will also be more provocative than most.

An extraordinary catalogue for an unusual exhibition
Some might say that another exhibition of Matisse and Picasso is hardly what the art world needs.Havent't we seen enough of these two artists recently?Why continue to do blockbuster exhibitions which just show uswell-known works?If you read this book, you might change your mind aboutthe relevance of the show.First, although some of the paintings shownhere are quite familiar from other exhibitions, many have never beenexhibited or published before.Second, this exhibition offers a rare lookat a virtually unique case of two major artists who visibly responded toeach other's styles during 25 years of peak productivity.The bookfocusses on the 1930's, '40's and early 1950's (the section on the waryears is particularly well-written), and allows the reader to experience,virtually month by month, the artistic interaction between the two artists. It is fascinating to see the commonality in their themes, beliefs andmotifs, despite the great difference in their visual styles.Finally, thisis a well-designed book - the plates are of the highest color quality andare beautifully arranged.Although English is not Bois' first language,the text has been translated in an elegant and efficient manner.If youcan't go see this exhibition, definitely read this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

information of the radical approach of H.M.
In March 2010 ,the Art Institute of Chicago will have an exhibition on: Matisse/Radical Invention 1913-1917 .Matisse's work of this period is not hedonistic. The color of Morocco is not the most important factor of the work of this period (although the color of the place was inspirational)...it is geometric form.There is a relationship of form to "the Moroccans and the Bathers. Like "La Grand Jatte"(also owned by AIC) H.M. did a great many drawings and sketches as studies for the big canvas, during this period. Many are included in the book as well as an insightful,informed study of his ouevre in ink and graphite. The Art Institute of Chicago maybe the number two art museum in the U.S. but when it comes to early French modernism it is number one.That is because of Seurat and Matisse's two great masterpieces: La Grand Jatte and the Bathers.This book will climb in price and become more important in the Spring of 2010 because of the re-evaluation of Matisse from 1913-1917.The color reproductions here are very good ,but only ancillary to the important information on Matisse in this book.I visited the Matisse /radical Invention, yesterday 03/23/10. This book if you can obtain one will take the place of the catalogue for the show of the same name, it is a very fine show!! There are many prints and drawings as well as the paintings among the best Matisses in the U.S.I would have loved to see the" Red Studio" and" Moroccan Cafe" Moroccan Cafe is in this book and is a work that is well worth studying.3/24/10

Tangier hosts a high point of Fauvism
This is a first quality book published by the National Gallery of Art that documents Henri Matisse's visits to Morocco (mostly Tangier) in 1912-13 where the Fauvist phase of his artistic career fully flowered.While the illustrations of his paintings from these visits are breathtakingly beautiful, the documentation and commentary on Matisse's interactions with compatiot painters like Marquet and Camoin are equally impressive.There are a number of letters between Matisse and his colleagues included in the book that explain in detail the former's reaction of the exotic environment and how it served to tickle his muse.This is a wonderful book that serves as both an illustrated chronicle of a great artist's significant formative period as well as a valuable art history document.

The book has 255 well-organized illustrations--50 in color--and includes works by a number of artists who worked in Morocco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.The color plates are of excellent quality.

Simply gorgeous
One of the places that most inspired Matisse was Morocco, a country of huge contrasts, vivid colors and dramatic landscapes .
I missed the landmark exhibition for which this book served as the catalog, but I purchased it after vacationing in Morocco. Matisse's view of the country emphasizes the colors of Moroccan cities and landscapes -- intense orange-reds and azure bluesz. It is also informed and inspired by Moroccan design, which combines Mediterranean and Islamic elements to beautiful effect. ... Read more

Product Description
The elegant Matisse retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art in the fall of 1992 was the first king-sized retrospective of Matisse's work anywhere in the world for more than twenty years. Appropriately labelled "the most beautiful show in the world," this giant new look at Matisse and his pursuit of pleasure was a consummate success. Henri Matisse: A Bio-Bibliography provides the scholar, student, artist, and layperson with an extended primary and secondary bibliography with which to study and enjoy this great artist. These works cover his life, career, oeuvre, and influence on other artists. Though many of the entries are annotated, this is not meant to be a critical guide; rather, it is a way to get to know a great artist through the literature surrounding him and his art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SUPERB!!The only book I own that I WILL NOT loan out !!
see above! This is the best of the BEST on Matisse,,we flew to NY just to see the show at MOMA,; with this book, I keep seeing newimages and genius! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Beginning with the "Vive la peinture! [Long live painting!]"that Matisse writes to Bonnard, this little volume of correspondencebetween two artists and friends reveals a common vision aboutaesthetics and renders their personal and artistic struggles andtriumphs. The book includes 23 black-and-white illustrations(including photos taken by HenriCartier-Bresson) depicting the artists at work and at home, aswell as facsimiles of their handwritten correspondence--something tosavor in this day of answering machines and electronic mail. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

find out what they shared!
I enjoyed reading these letters. Bonnard told Matisse he couldn't work like Matisse. They both talk about their interest in windows.The difficulty of getting together in war time. They both aided each other with enthusiasm for painting.Matisse visited Bonnard at Le Cannet at Bonnard's studio.His studio is at the top of a hill ..mountain.I went to Le Cannet to try and see his place but, I would have had to cross private property.The Tobacconist on Bonnard Avenue told me where it was.It is an area where wealthy people live.There is a letter that Matisse wrote saying that Bonnard is a GREAT ARTIST.The letters encompass many years, when Klee died in 1940 Matisse told Bonnard , an artist of great sensitivity has died.Bonnard was modest about his abilities . Bonnard was older than Matisse . They had similar backgrounds, socially and educationally. Both studied the law.Both worked in Illustration,creating some of the greatest illustrated books of the 20th century.Both revered Renoir.For an intimate view of the minds of two of France's greatest artist read these letters.I found it worthwhile . Especially on their discussion of "windows". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Matisse - 6 Posters
This Taschen posterbook contains six (12"x17") quality posters at a very low price.The images in this series were created by Matisse in the years 1908 through 1947.There is an informative comment about each oil painting in English, German, and French.A brief chronology of his life (1869-1954) is also included.

The reproductions included in this packet are:Harmony in Red (La desserte), 1908; Dance, 1909/10; Decorative Figure on an Ornamental Ground, 1925/26; Pink Nude, 1935; Lady in Blue, 1937; and Red Interior:Still Life on a Blue Table, 1947.

I wish there would have been one poster of Matisse's cut-outs, but I bought the little postcard book to obtain those images (ISBN 3-8228-9443-5).

I am able to use three of these posters when teaching art at the elementary level (the children get embarrassed if I show the nudes).However, the quality is very nice -- suitable for framing at home! ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is part of a series that portrays the lives and works of some of the world's greatest artists and their influence on the world of art. Each book includes: reconstruction artwork of particular scenes from the artist's life; examples of the artist's work with text to link their life and work; life story and photographs of the artist; and a timeline. ... Read more

Product Description
Exhibition catalog featuring the art of Modern French artist and painter Henri Matisse.Over 60 mostly black and white illustrations of works by Matisse (8 in color)Portraits, interiors, figures, still-lifes, nudes.Includes exhibit checklist, chronology of the artist and bibliography.Softcover. ... Read more

Product Description
An inspirational celebration of art and artist, this is a collection of beloved images by Matisse coupled with his reflections on art, aesthetics, life and society. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very brief
This book offers a brief view of Matisse's varied ouvre: paintings, drawings, and cutouts, covering several decades of his lifeer. Each two-page spread shows a new piece, well printed, together with at least one quote from the artist's writings or interviews.

"Brief" is the key word, though. There are only a few dozen of his works here. The quotations are nearly all one-sentence sound bites, cut loose from the context that gave them their original meanings. What's even more confusing is that, although the pictures are in time order, the quotations are not. In fact, very few quotations have anything to do with the pictures they accompany, except in the compiler's mind.

Anyone unfamiliar with Matisse will find this a brief, digestible introduction. The afficionado will be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Arts & Activities, published by Publishers' Development Corporation on June 1, 2010. The length of the article is 696 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Henri Matisse's "Beasts of the Sea".
Author: Robert Graff
Publication: Arts & Activities (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2010
Publisher: Publishers' Development Corporation
Volume: 147Issue: 5Page: 20(2)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more