Henri Matisse’s artwork “White and Pink Head,” dating from 1914 to 1915, is a portrait executed in the Cubist style. The dimensions of this artwork are 75 x 47 cm. It resides in the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France, and it represents a period when Matisse was influenced by the avant-garde movement that prioritized the geometric deconstruction of objects and figures.
The artwork is characterized by fragmented and angular shapes that dissect the form of the human face and shoulders into a series of planes. Bold contrasts are created with the use of white and pink hues, which give the portrait its name. The use of dark outlines helps in defining the abstract shapes while adding a strong graphical quality to the piece. Matisse’s interpretation of the subject’s features is simplified; the eyes are stylized and the portrait lacks detailed realism. The pendant at the center of the figure’s attire stands out with a certain lightness and detail, contrasting with the thick, dark strokes that comprise the rest of the figure. Overall, the artwork exemplifies Matisse’s foray into Cubism, capturing the essence of the subject through geometric simplification and a reduced color palette.
