The artwork titled “Woman with Violin” was created by artist Henri Matisse between circa 1921 and 1923. This painting is an example of genre painting within the Post-Impressionism movement, executed using oil on canvas. Measuring approximately 55 by 46 centimeters, the artwork presents a pensive woman holding a violin. The original piece is housed at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France, contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expressions located there.
Within the artwork, there is a woman seated with her right elbow resting on the table, her chin supported by her hand, giving the impression of deep thought or perhaps a momentary pause in her music playing. She holds a violin and its bow in her left hand, suggesting that she may be a musician taking a break. The woman’s striped blouse and white skirt add a vibrant contrast to the muted tones used for her flesh and the surrounding elements. Behind her, a violin case is visible on the table, colored in deep blue, which complements the blue hues in the patterned background. The painting’s backdrop is alive with decorative circles, rendering an almost rhythmic quality to the scene, perhaps mirroring the musical theme. The perspective of the room is created with the floor, walls, and table, forming an intimate enclosure around the figure. The simplicity of the composition, along with the fluid, expressive brushstrokes, is characteristic of Matisse’s style during the Post-Impressionist period.
