Henri Matisse’s “Harmony in Red (La Desserte)” is an oil on canvas created in 1908 that embodies the Expressionism art movement. The piece has dimensions of 180 by 220 cm and falls under the genre painting category. This notable artwork is housed at the Hermitage Museum located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is renowned for its vivid color use and dynamic composition that captures the essence of Matisse’s unique style.
The artwork represents a room predominantly enveloped in a rich shade of red, from the wallpaper to the tablecloth, which seems to blend seamlessly into the background. This continuity of color creates an almost dreamlike, non-representational space inviting viewers into a rhythm of patterns and hues. A woman—central to the composition—stands to the side of a table arranged with fruit and tableware, her figure echoing the colors and forms surrounding her. The room opens onto a landscape visible through a window, contrasting with the interior’s warm tones by introducing greens and blues.
Matisse applies areas of flat, bold color to construct the space, with the elaborate patterns on the wall and tablecloth attracting the eye. These decorative motifs intertwine with natural elements, blending the interior with the exterior through organic shapes. This interplay emphasizes the expressionistic desire to evoke rather than depict reality, offering an emotional and imaginative take on domestic scenery. The use of color, line, and form in “Harmony in Red” is emblematic of Matisse’s revolutionary approach to painting, which would strongly influence the course of modern art.
