“The Stream (near Nice)” is an exquisite landscape painting by Henri Matisse, composed around 1919. This artwork belongs to the Post-Impressionism movement and is rendered in oil on canvas, measuring 38 by 46 centimeters. Although the painting is currently held within a private collection, its influence resonates through its depiction of the natural world. Matisse harnesses a vivid color palette to capture the essence of the terrain near Nice.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a rustic and vibrant scene. The painting features a stream that wends its way through the landscape, bordered by a lush path. On either side, trees punctuate the scenery, with their forms lightly sketched against a sky washed in hues of blues and whites. The distinct brushstrokes evoke a sense of dynamism and texture, particularly in the depiction of the vegetation, with the energetic use of greens, browns, and ochres suggesting the liveliness of the natural world. The earthy tones of the trees and underbrush contrast with the soft blue sky, creating a tranquil yet vivid tableau that celebrates the beauty of the countryside near Nice. Matisse’s signature mark can be discerned in the bottom right corner of the canvas, indicative of his handiwork. The artwork, with its palpable brushwork and rich interplay of colors, exemplifies the artist’s mastery and his contribution to the Post-Impressionist ethos.
