Title of Artwork: “Pierre Matisse”
Artwork by Balthus
Year Created 1938
Summary of Pierre Matisse
Aside from painting young girls and cats, Balthus also painted portraits of some of the most notable cultural figures of the early twentieth century, including many of his friends. His father, Henri Matisse, was a well-known painter, and Pierre Matisse ran a successful gallery in New York City, where he displayed his works. Following his 1938 solo show at the gallery, Balthus became more of an international name, thanks in part to Matisse’s promotion of his work.
All About Pierre Matisse
A traditional oil portrait of Matisse is depicted by the artist, but with a few tweaks to give the painting a deeper meaning. Matisse’s business acumen in New York may have prompted the artist to depict him in a relaxed pose, despite the fact that Matisse was more conventional in real life. To further differentiate the portrait from the model’s real-life persona, he has also given the subject a flashy tie and bright socks. Despite the fact that the model is a friend, he has used the scene to create a character.
It’s possible that the subtle changes in his portrait of Matisse were meant as an inside joke between the painter and his dealer because it was given as a gift to Matisse (who later left it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, along with The Guitar Lesson – which was later returned to the gallery, unshown, perhaps due to its subject matter).
Information Citations
En.wikipedia.org, https://en.wikipedia.org/.
