“The King’s Sadness” is an artwork attributed to Henri Matisse, dated to 1952, and is said to be crafted using paper, gouache, and canvas. It supposedly belongs to the Abstract Expressionism movement and is classified under the figurative genre. The artwork is reportedly located at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.
The artwork is composed of bold, vibrant cut-outs arranged on a canvas to create an abstract, yet figurative scene. A central figure, presumed to be the king, is depicted with a somber demeanor, constructed from deep, dark colors that perhaps indicate the titular sadness. This figure is accompanied by simpler, more playful forms surrounding it, characterized by lighter colors and dynamic shapes that stand in contrast to the central figure’s mood. Sharp contrasts, both in color and form, distinguish the elements from one another, while the flatness of the plane and the lack of perspective are typical of Matisse’s later works in his cut-out period. Despite the stated facts about the artwork and its location, it’s crucial to authenticate such information since the specified details and the artistic style depicted don’t perfectly align with Henri Matisse’s known oeuvre or the typical characteristics of the Abstract Expressionism movement.
