“Open Window, Etretat” is a landscape painting by Henri Matisse created in 1920. The artwork is executed in oil on canvas and is a representative piece of the Post-Impressionism art movement. The dimensions of the canvas are 72.5 x 60 cm. As of the knowledge cutoff date, this work is part of a private collection, not on public display.
The artwork offers a view through an open window onto a seascape in Etretat, a commune on the coast of the English Channel in France, often frequented by artists. Matisse’s painting is characterized by a vibrant yet controlled palette, indicative of his post-impressionist style, which seeks to capture the essence of the scene through color and brushwork rather than strict realism. The viewer’s gaze is directed from the interior space, defined by the window frame, to the exterior where a beach scene unfolds. A boat rests on the shore, and another figure can be spotted in the distance, set against a backdrop of a serene blue sea and sky. The brushstrokes are loose, imparting a sense of liveliness and movement to the composition. The curtains framing the window add a touch of domestic intimacy to the scene, which juxtaposes the wild nature outside. Matisse’s use of light and shadow, combined with the framing device of the window, creates a dynamic interplay between the interior and the exterior, encapsulating the beauty and tranquility of the coastal environment of Etretat.
