Etching (eau-forte) by Henri Matisse from 1923. It is an original print, edited by the famous art dealer Ambroise Vollard, in an edition of about 150 copies. They are never numbered.
This etching was part of the collection of Henri Petiet, a well-known publisher, art dealer and a great collector. He had the largest collection of works on paper in the world. He bought the complete collection from Ambroise Vollard, after his unexpected death. Vollard didn't left a last will and had no heires.
This etching is included in the book by M. Duthuit-Matisse, Cl. Duthuit, Catalog rasonné de l'oeuvre grave, no 86.
Matisse created this eau-forte at a time when he showed great interest in Orientalism. He considers it an important foundation and studies patterns, fabrics and decorations. He makes many graphic works during this period in which the woman is an important theme, including the odalisque, an oriental slave/servant.
Matisse was not the only one who liked to paint an odalisque, often half-naked and looking boldly, they were depicted by several artists. This etching is a wonderful example of this.
The etching is printed on Vélin paper and signed on the plate by Matisse with 'Henri Matisse' (shown in mirror image). On the left lower corner are in small letters 'T.E.', which directs it can be one of the 6 examples (proofs) they made, 2 proofs on 3 different kind of paper. On the back is the hallmark of Henri Petiet, a circle with HMP. Number 86 is also noted in pencil. In addition, there were notes in pencil, including: Henri Matisse, l'Odalisque couchée, Eau-forte originale, 1923 and the note Duthuit-Garnand 86 and Johnson'80.
Separately mentioned is still listed ‘Vente Petiet, 2010 (HMP). All this is made visible at the rear. The etching is framed with acid-free cardboard and placed behind museum glass.
Eau-forte is an etching technique in which the artist paints or draws with acid in the etching plate, this was very popular around 1900, Camille Pissarro, to cite an example, was a great lover of this technique.
Dimensions:
Image:
Length: 19.8cm (7.8")
Width: 29.7cm (11.69")
Paper Size:
Length: 45.5cm (17.91")
Width: 57cm (22.44")
Framed:
Length: 65cm (25.59")
Width: 52.5cm (20.67")
