When most people think about those artists who influenced the modern and post-modern art movements Matisse typically is not in the forefront of their minds. Their thoughts jump to Pablo Picasso or later artists such as Salvador Dali or Jackson Pollock; individuals about whom movies are made and who are referenced in art appreciation classes in school. However, to understand how painting has arrived where it is today one must also understand the art of the French painter Henri Matisse (1869-1954).
Where Does Henri Matisse Fit in Modern Art
Matisse is often lost between the Impressionists painters of the late 19th century and the Abstract artists of the early and mid 20th century. Many people, even if they could not readily identify a painting, recognize the names of Claude Monet, James Whistler, Pierre-August Renoir, and Edgar Degas and are even more familiar with the post-Impressionist such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh; all of whom have had an outstanding influence on modern art.
Modern and post-modern art have become largely concerned with color and pattern having turned away from the traditional values of subject and form. The concept of abandoning these traditions was pioneered by a group artists called the Fauvists, a movement launched by Matisse.
Bridging the Gap Between Impressionism and Abstract Art
There is a noticeable gap between Impressionism and Abstract art. Impressionism concerned itself with man’s view of nature taking a scene such as Monet’s famous gardens, a street in Paris, or a patio café and rather than indicating to the viewer what one thinks they should see, they made an attempt to show what one actually sees. In contrast, Abstract art takes away all concept of form or impression in its use of color and shape to provoke a psychological response.
How to Look at Henri Matisse
Matisse bridged this gap by both presenting a theme and then expressing that theme not by impression or a realistic image but by using color, shape, and pattern to create feeling. This is visible in his 1910 painting “Sill Life with Geraniums”. Here Matisse shows a contrast between parallel and horizontal lines and the circular pattern of the cloth and the geraniums. The largely blue painting is overlaid by the red table, flower pot, and flowers. Though the subject of the painting is clear not only by the title but also in the painting itself, the larger purpose is not to depict geraniums but to demonstrate emotion through line and color.
One is left to wonder if modern art would have evolved into what it is today without an artist like Henri Matisse and the bold movement of the Fauvists to shift the public’s focus from impression to shape and emotion. Through taking the risk of rejection and going against the status quo, Matisse enabled artist such as Picasso, Dali, and Pollock to further advance the movements of the world of art.
Sources
- Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art; Phaidon Press, New York. 2006.
- 30,000 Years of Art; Phaidon Press, New York. 2001.
Theodore Haddad - Theodore's education and long time interests in the arts have led him toward both fiction and non-fiction writing. He is currently working ...
