The artwork “Self Portrait” by Henri Matisse, created in 1918, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Post-Impressionism movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 65 x 54 cm. As suggested by its genre, it is a self-portrait by the artist. This piece is housed at the Matisse Museum (Le Cateau) in Le Cateau-Cambresis, France.
The artwork depicts the artist seated, holding a paintbrush in his right hand and a palette in his left. Matisse is portrayed with a dignified stance, wearing a brown suit and spectacles, which reflect his intellectual demeanor. The self-portrait exhibits a bold use of color and simplified forms, characteristics of Matisse’s approach during the Post-Impressionist period. His gaze is directed outward, engaging the viewer, and behind him, one can discern the outline of a sculpted piece on a table, indicating his multifaceted artistic practices. The composition is marked by the juxtaposition of flat areas of color with more modeled forms, creating a dynamic tension that is typical of Matisse’s innovative style.
