Henri Matisse’s “Green Stripe (Madame Matisse)” is a celebrated oil on canvas portrait created in 1905, exemplifying the Fauvism art movement. The artwork measures 40.5 by 32.5 centimeters and is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The artwork is a striking portrait of the artist’s wife, characterized by the use of vibrant, non-naturalistic colors and bold brushwork, which are hallmarks of the Fauvist style. The eponymous green stripe runs down the center of Madame Matisse’s face, dividing it into two distinct color zones, with green tones on one side and a mix of oranges and pinks on the other. This innovative use of color breaks with traditional portraiture and suggests a play with light and shadow, transcending realistic representation in favor of emotional expression. The background is similarly treated with large areas of flat, unmodulated color, which complement the hues of the subject’s face and clothing. Matisse’s portrait is a seminal work that continues to influence artists and captivate viewers with its radical approach to color and form.
