Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French artist, known for his use of color and his fluid and original draughtsmanship. He was a leader of the Fauvist movement. His work is regarded as important within Post-Impressionism.
Matisse’s early career was characterized by striking success. In 1890, he sold his first painting; in 1891, he had his first solo exhibition; and in 1892, at only 23 years of age, he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour. However, by 1898 Matisse had hit upon hard times; having abandoned his law studies, he could not support himself through his painting alone, and began working as an assistant teacher at a girls’ school in Saint-Quentin to make ends meet. It was during this period that he painted some of his most important works: The Dinner Table (1899), Reading Girl in White and Yellow (1900), Young Sailor II (1906).
In 1904 Matisse visited North Africa for the first time, which prompted him to use more vibrant colors in his paintings. This change can be seen in such works as Luxe, calme et volupté (1904) and Joy of Life (1905). His visit to the region also had a profound influence on him spiritually; after seeing the mosque at Algiers, he remarked that it “made me realize what true architecture really is”.
After 1906 Matisse divides his time between France and Morocco—where he purchases a house overlooking the Bay of Tangier—and produces some of his most famous works including Bathers by a River (1909-10), Moroccan landscapes such as View of Tétouan (1920), interiors such as Music Room with Moorish Decoration (1923), and portraits like Woman with Hat (1905) or Portrait of MadameMatisse(the Green Stripe)(1905). In 1913 he has two major exhibitions: one at Salon des Indépendants where 50%of visitors buy one or more works from him; another at Galerie Bernheim-Jeune which sells out completely. These exhibitions make him world famous practically overnight. In 1914 war is declared so Matisse enlists but is discharged within 3 months due to ill health – probably exacerbated by anxiety about leaving behind loved ones given that 2 sons have already died young.