Odalisque, Blue Harmony (1937) by Henri Matisse

The artwork “Odalisque, Blue Harmony” by Henri Matisse dates back to 1937 and is executed in oil on canvas. With dimensions measuring 60.2 by 49.5 cm, it is considered a genre painting that falls under the Expressionism movement. The painting is part of a private collection and showcases Matisse’s distinctive style and vibrant use of color.

The artwork depicts a female figure, presumably an odalisque, reclining in a relaxed posture against a background that exemplifies Matisse’s fondness for pattern and decoration. The subject is dressed in green, her form outlined expressively, and her facial features rendered with simplified yet telling strokes, typical of Matisse’s approach. In the foreground, a table supports a vase filled with a bouquet of colorfully abstracted flowers, which also demonstrates the artist’s signature expressive use of color and form. The background features stripes of blue and white, complementing the harmonious palette. This interior scene is depicted with a joyful and vibrant interplay of shapes and colors, illustrating Matisse’s masterful ability to convey atmosphere and emotion through his unique brand of expressionism.

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