Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Henri Matisse, ink, 1919
Untitled, by Henri Matisse, ink, 1919

Untitled is an ink drawing by Henri Matisse. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1919 ink drawing on paper by Henri Matisse, exemplifies the artist's exploration of line and composition during a pivotal period in his practice.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene, simplified female figure with a calm, nearly expressionless face and loose, wavy hair, rendered with bold, confident lines and minimal detail.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold, unshaded lines and a lack of background, the work showcases Matisse's signature drawing style, emphasizing form and simplicity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1919, the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting Matisse's influence on early 20th-century modern art alongside contemporaries like Picasso.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri Matisse

Artist

Henri Matisse

Henri Émile Benoît Matisse (French: ; 31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954) was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.