The artwork “Self-Portrait in a Striped T-Shirt” is a seminal piece created by Henri Matisse in 1906, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the Fauvism art movement. This self-portrait is relatively modest in size, measuring 55 by 46 centimeters. Throughout the composition, Matisse employs a genre focused inward, examining his own likeness through the bold and expressive visual language characteristic of Fauvism.
In the artwork, the viewer is immediately struck by the vigorous application of paint and the daring use of color typical of Matisse’s Fauvist period. His face is rendered with a range of hues that transcend naturalistic representation, including greens, blues, and pinks, highlighting the artist’s mood and inner state rather than offering a realistic portrayal. The striped t-shirt adds a dynamic pattern to the composition and serves to juxtapose the complex use of color on the face and background. Matisse’s gaze in the portrait is direct and engaging, suggesting a moment of contemplation or self-reflection. The overall effect is one of psychological depth and vibrancy, reflective of the Fauvist interest in emotive expression through strong, non-representational color and bold brushwork.
