Baltimore, MD
The second iteration of the inaugural exhibition in the new Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies continues the exploration of Henri Matisse’s graceful use of line with a new selection of works on paper from the BMA’s collection.
Although best known as a painter, Matisse was engaged as a draftsman, sculptor, and printmaker, relying heavily on line to create contours and shapes.
This exhibition was inspired by the BMA’s The Serpentine bronze of 1909, which is a masterpiece of line and movement. It will also feature several of Matisse’s explorations of the reclining figure in bronze, which show the artist moving from a classical style toward a more streamlined treatment of the body. The same theme can be seen in several of the works on paper included. Two pen and ink drawings and a linocut will be featured alongside innovative etchings and lithographs, all produced with the artist’s graceful curving line, a seemingly effortless mark, yet the result of much work.
Matisse’s ability to convey his models’ personality with just a few lines in some instances, or with many more in his more fully fleshed out compositions, is part of his great contribution as a draftsman and printmaker.
Credit: Overview from museum website
Baltimore, MD