The artwork entitled “Blue Eyes” by Henri Matisse, dated 1934, is an exquisite example of Expressionism. Measuring 38 x 46 cm, this portrait is part of the collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) in Baltimore, MD, United States.
This evocative piece captures a figure, presumably a woman, in a contemplative pose with her arms folded and resting on a surface. She dons a horizontally striped garment, which suggests a casual form of attire. The use of bold, unmodulated colors and simplified forms is characteristic of Matisse’s style, particularly in his later works. The figure’s blue eyes stand out as a focal point, lending the artwork its title and evoking a sense of introspection. The background is composed of abstract elements, employing greens, yellows, and reds that provide a stark contrast to the subject’s pale complexion and the dominating blue stripes of her attire. Matisse’s brushwork is visible, with the strokes adding texture and a sense of immediacy to the work. The artwork elicits an emotional response, inviting the viewer to ponder the subject’s thoughts and feelings, encapsulating the expressive intent of the artist.
