Nu Fusain II

The artwork showcases Matisse’s mastery of the fluid line and his ability to convey form, weight, and volume through minimal, expressive charcoal strokes. The reclining nude was a frequent, defining subject in his body of work. His “Dernières Oeuvres” (Last Works) included several numbered Fusain Nu (charcoal nudes). These works range from quick sketches and gesture drawings to detailed academic studies of the female or male body.

This exquisite vintage photogravure, based on an original drawing by Matisse, was printed in Verve Magazine by Mourlot Frères. The initial lithographic plates were created under Matisse’s guidance in 1954, and the vibrant lithographs produced were printed by Mourlot Frères. The photogravure reproductions and typography were expertly handled by the master printers Draeger Frères and were finalised in Paris in 1958 (posthumously). This edition of Verve, IX No. 35/36, is titled “The Last Works of Henri Matisse” and was published by Tériade.

His partnership with the esteemed lithographers Mourlot Frères in Paris allowed the prints to authentically capture the essence of his original cutouts. These works hold a distinctive position in art history, differentiating them from later reproductions or contemporary posters. The authenticity of these pieces is deeply rooted in Matisse’s direct involvement, making each one a genuine reflection of his artistic essence.