For further information or to order a print please call the gallery on 01225 331500 or email chris@thewhiteroomgallery.com.



Available works



Previouly sold works



Suite Details





Artist Biography

Matisse was a French born painter, sculptor, draughtsman, designer and print maker. In 1891 he abandoned his legal career to study art at the Académie Julian in Paris. His early influences along with Japanese art were works of the post-impressionists, for example Cézanne, Van Gogh and Signac. From the start colour was an integral part of his paintings with his early works often compared to his younger friend and rival Picasso. Both artists frequently chose to paint women and still life, however while Picasso was drawing from imagination, Matisse used his surroundings for inspiration. By the 1920's the pair were enjoying an international reputation as the foremost painters of their time. From 1917 until his death in 1954 Matisse lived in Cimiez on the French Riviera (now a suburb of Nice). Following this relocation a relaxation and softening of his approach is evident, eventually moving on to a bolder more simplistic style. In 1941 Matisse had two major operations which left him restricted to his bed and wheelchair. However, with help Matisse started to produce cut paper collages called gouaches découpés. These often very large compositions show Matisse's ability to use a simple medium to express his eye for colour and geometry. Unlike many artists, Matisse was internationally popular during his lifetime, enjoying the favor of collectors, art critics, and the younger generation of artists.

Themes and Variations

"Themes and Variations" is a suite of lithographs completed by Matisse between 1941 and 1943. The prints are typical of Matisse's figurative work featuring the female form and arrangements of flowers and fruit.