Henri Matisse, a French artist widely regarded as the greatest colorist of the 20th century, created over 800 prints and paintings. One of these prints was “Study of a Nude Seen Upside Down,” completed in 1929. This lithograph depicts a model posing upside down in a teaching studio, with Matisse focusing on structure and proportion.
Matisse’s main goal was not to capture realistic portrayals but rather to use color as the primary means of expression. As such, he often rejected Cubism and other art movements that prioritized form over color.
The dimensions for this particular piece are 21 15/16 x 18 1/8 inches for the image and 26 x 18 1/8 inches for the sheet. While similar in composition to Matisse’s painting “Large Reclining Nude,” this work stands out due to its print medium.
Overall, “Study of a Nude Seen Upside Down” is just one example of Matisse’s commitment to experimentation and bold use of color in his artwork.
