“The Circus,” a work by Henri Matisse created in 1943, is a notable piece within the Jazz Book series. Despite its abstract qualities, it is characterized as figurative art. While the classification under Abstract Expressionism may be common, Matisse’s work, especially from his Jazz portfolio, is more accurately associated with his cut-outs and belongs to early modernism and the characteristics that paved the way for later abstract movements.
The artwork employs a bold and simplified color palette, primarily consisting of primary and secondary colors, which are distinct and vibrant. The main form, set against a purple and pink background with bold blue and red borders, appears to be white with black outlines invoking the notion of a dynamic figure or a set of patterns that convey movement. The curves and lines may imply limbs in motion, resonating with the lively atmosphere traditionally associated with the circus. The use of white space is dramatic and plays a key role in defining the composition, emphasizing the contrast between the figure and the background. Matisse’s piece is a clear reflection of his interest in radical simplification of form and his innovative use of cut paper as a medium during the latter part of his career.
