This Is Matisse

In the history of twentieth century modernism, Henri Matisse is a calm and unstoppable revolution of creative genius.

Trained originally in the French classical manner, he was inspired by the Impressionists and Cézanne to create in a style that brought out the beauty of colour, form and line by reducing them to their essentials. While considered a leader of the Fauves and an inspiration to most of the great figures in modern art, he wasn't particularly interested in being associated with any particular school or trend. A family man who worked 'office hours' in his studio he defies the image of the artist as enfant terrible or tortured soul.

In a career spanning six decades, he produced masterpiece after masterpiece that constantly challenge how we perceive color and form.

This title is appropriate for ages 14 and up

Catherine Ingram obtained a First Class Honours degree at Glasgow University. After an MA in 19th Century art at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Catherine became a graduate scholar at Trinity College, Oxford. After finishing her D.Phil, she was made a Prize Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Agnès Decourchelle is an illustrator who primarily works in pencil and watercolours. She received her Diploma in illustration from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris in 2001 and an MA in Communication Art and Design from the Royal College of Art in London in 2003. She lives and works in Paris.