“Studio under the Eaves,” created circa 1903 by Henri Matisse, is an oil on canvas artwork measuring 55.2 by 46 cm. This work, reflecting the Realism art movement, portrays an interior genre scene and is currently housed in the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK.
The artwork captures the intimate quarters of an attic studio bathed in warm, earthy tones. The eaves of the roof cast angular shadows that converge towards a central window, which opens to a burst of light illuminating the space. The unadorned walls and sloping ceiling create a sense of seclusion. Simple, functional furniture—a table, a chair, and what appears to be a folding easel—suggest a place dedicated to quiet contemplation and artistic creation. On the table lies a small vase with a solitary flower, adding a touch of life and contrasting delicately with the otherwise spartan setting. Various items, likely artist’s materials, are scattered casually, yet they contribute to the overall narrative of a private, creative sanctuary where an artist might retreat to work. Matisse’s treatment of light and shadow, along with his selective detailing, lends the artwork a mood of tranquility and contemplation.
