Henri Matisse’s artwork titled “Zorah Standing,” created in 1912, is a portrait painted with oil on canvas that is known to embody elements of Expressionism and Orientalism. This notable work by Matisse is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is a testament to the artist’s exploration of color and form, and his fascination with exotic themes and non-Western art, which is characteristic of the Orientalist movement.
The artwork portrays a figure standing against a vibrant red background. The subject, referred to as Zorah, is depicted wearing a robe that is dominated by deep blue hues with elaborate details and patterns in white and black, suggesting an influence from Middle Eastern or North African textiles. The robe is cinched at the waist with a sash of bright yellow and red, adding to the harmony of bold colors that are typical of Matisse’s style during this period. The subject’s posture is erect and front-facing, creating a dignified and statuesque appearance. Zorah’s facial features, like those of her robe, are simplified yet expressive, with the face rendered in a lighter shade contrasting with the painting’s overall warm palette. The deliberate use of flat areas of color and the absence of perspective endow the artwork with a sense of immediacy and decorative flatness, imbuing it with a modern aesthetic that defies realism.
