Young Girl on a Balcony over the Ocean (1918) by Henri Matisse

The artwork titled “Young Girl on a Balcony over the Ocean” was crafted by the illustrious artist Henri Matisse in the year 1918. It is categorized as a portrait, presumably capturing the quiet contemplation of a young woman situated against a serene ocean backdrop.

This painting features a young woman seated on an elegant wooden chair on a balcony. Her position is relaxed yet formal, with her hands gently folded over her lap. She wears a dark, full-length dress and a light-colored hat, features that suggest a blend of casual refinement and an air of quiet sophistication. The woman’s gaze, directed away from the observer, contributes to an atmosphere of introspection and perhaps a touch of melancholy.

Matisse’s use of color and form is noteworthy in the artwork. The balcony’s railing is depicted with vertical blue and white stripes, contrasting with the organic pattern of the chair and the curving lines of the dress. The background, which hints at a vast expanse of water, is rendered in peaceful hues of blue, giving the sense of an ocean view, thereby reinforcing the painting’s title. The overall effect is one that combines simplicity with a rich play of colors, a signature trait of Matisse’s work from this period.

Scroll to Top