The artwork “Three Sisters with Grey Background” was crafted by Henri Matisse in 1917. As an exemplar of the Fauvism art movement, this portrait embodies the movement’s characteristic embrace of vivid, non-naturalistic color and bold brushwork.
The painting depicts three female figures positioned against a muted grey backdrop that contrasts with the brighter tones of their clothing. The women are portrayed with stylized features and simplified forms, a hallmark of Matisse’s style during the Fauvist period. Each sister’s attire and pose reflect an individual personality and mood within the unified composition.
The figure in the foreground sits to the right, her body angled towards the viewer, wearing a vibrant green dress with a fan in her hand, which adds a sense of thoughtful contemplation to her demeanor. The middle sister stands centrally, her white and yellow attire adorned with accents of decoration, she gazes directly forward exuding a sense of poise and attentiveness. The third sister, seated, dons a white garment with purple details, her posture and expression contributing to a composed and serene atmosphere. Together, they present a harmonious ensemble, held together by Matisse’s expressive use of color and form.
