When and where was Henri Matisse born?
Henri Matisse was born on the 31st of December 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, a town in northern France. He was the oldest son of a wealthy grain merchant.
Common questions about Henri Matisse
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Henri Matisse decide to become an artist?
Henri Matisse decided to become an artist in 1889 after a severe attack of appendicitis left him convalescing in bed. His mother brought him a box of art supplies, and he described the experience of painting as discovering a kind of paradise that made him abandon his legal career.
What is the origin of the term Fauves used for Henri Matisse?
The term Fauves meaning wild beasts originated in 1905 when critic Louis Vauxcelles described Henri Matisse and his group as Donatello among the wild beasts. The label stuck to define the movement despite Henri Matisse developing a rigorous style that emphasized flattened forms and decorative patterns.
When did Henri Matisse start using the cut-out technique?
Henri Matisse began developing the cut-out technique in 1941 after being diagnosed with duodenal cancer and undergoing surgery that left him bedridden. He used paper and scissors to create a new art form that became his primary mode of expression until his death.
Who were the key figures in Henri Matisse's personal life during World War II?
Henri Matisse's wife Amélie worked as a typist for the French Underground and was jailed for six months while his daughter Marguerite was tortured by the Gestapo. His companion Lydia Delectorskaya managed his household and business affairs after his wife left him in July 1939.