Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art

About this Work

In this contour drawing, Henri Matisse—seen in the mirror’s reflection on the upper right—captures himself engaged in one of his favorite activities, sketching from the nude female model. The model, decoratively adorned in an Orientalizing head scarf, bracelets, and beaded necklace, perches on the striped cushion of a chaise. Although presented within shallow depth of field, the studio space brims with authentic details, including arabesque wallpaper, tropical plant, rug, and octagonal floor tiles. The fluidity and sketchiness of the ink lines and the asymmetry of the composition provide a lively sense of energy to this drawing, while the presence of the artist’s image adds an element of intimacy and entrée into his private artistic realm.

The Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art’s collection includes a photograph by Brassaï of Matisse drawing a nude model in his studio from around the same time (Eskenazi Museum of Art 75.42.2).