“A Glimpse of Notre-Dame in the Late Afternoon,” crafted by Henri Matisse in 1902, encapsulates the essence of Fauvism, a movement celebrated for its bold embrace of color. Measuring 72 x 54 cm, this cityscape genre painting is housed within the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, and is recognized for its unique portrayal and perspective of the urban environment.
The artwork captures a scene that appears to be viewed from an elevated position, likely a window, that overlooks the Seine River in Paris with the Notre-Dame Cathedral forming a silhouette on the horizon. The cathedral is rendered with minimal detail, emphasizing its architectural outline against the sky. The time of day suggests early evening, as indicated by the title, with the sky transitioning to a cooler palette, possibly illustrating the fleeting nature of light. Matisse uses broad brushstrokes and a vibrant spectrum of colors to embody the scene, characteristic of the Fauvist style that prioritizes color over realistic representation.
Foreground elements, such as a tree trunk to the right, contribute to a sense of depth, while simplified human figures and carriages line the quay, hinting at the everyday activities that occur in this urban landscape. The reflective surface of the water demonstrates Matisse’s skillful use of blues and greens, infusing the scene with both a serene and dynamic quality. This work exemplifies how the Fauvist movement broke away from traditional artistic concerns, instead giving way to a new mode of expression through vivid coloration and simplified forms.
