The artwork titled “Woman with a White Dress,” created by the celebrated artist Henri Matisse between 1933 and 1934, exemplifies the Expressionism art movement. Measuring 113 x 73 cm, this portrait genre painting is held in a private collection. Matisse’s work is known for its vibrant colors and fluid aesthetic, which are represented in this piece.
In this artwork, the viewer is presented with a seated woman wearing a white dress. The style of the painting is characteristic of Expressionism, featuring a non-realistic interpretation of the subject with expressive use of color and form. The woman’s pose is demure, with her hands resting gently on the arms of a wooden chair, which provides a stark contrast to the bold, energetic strokes of color in the background. The use of light and shadow is not depicted with strict naturalism but instead suggests form and depth through contrasting hues and deliberate brushwork. The pale blue of the woman’s dress contrasts with her dark hair and the warm tones of the chair, creating a harmonious yet dynamic composition. Matisse’s signature, a prominent ’93’ inscribed on the woman’s belt, adds a distinctive personal touch to the piece, perhaps referencing the year of the painting’s creation.