The artwork “Jeannette IV” is a distinguished bronze sculpture by Henri Matisse, created between the years 1910 and 1913. It represents a contribution to the Expressionism movement and is part of the “Five busts of Jeanne Vaderin” series. The artwork is presently housed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, United States.
The artwork showcases Matisse’s exploration of form and distortion, common themes within Expressionism where the emotional experience is prioritized over physical reality. “Jeannette IV” displays an abstract portrayal of the human figure, with a head that characteristically emphasizes certain features like the elongation of the neck and the stylized treatment of the hair. The surface of the bronze is textured, and the physical features of the figure are smoothed and simplified, revealing the artist’s interest in capturing the essence of the subject rather than a detailed likeness. The bust’s surface reflects the tactile quality of the material, with light and shadow playing off the contours in a manner that adds depth and vitality to the piece.
