L'Avaleur de sabres [The Sword-Swallower] (from 'Jazz')
About this artwork
In 1942 the publisher, Elf Tériade, commissioned Matisse to make a book of colour images. Matisse selected Jazz as the title to reflect the vibrancy and rhythm of the images and although conceived as a book on the circus he began to incorporate other subjects and motifs. Following surgery for cancer in 1941, Matisse began to work with cut-outs; the sensual forms of the cut paper became an iconic part of his practice. This image shows the famous sword-swallower act, which was extremely dangerous.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) French
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title:L'Avaleur de sabres [The Sword-Swallower] (from 'Jazz')
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date created:1947
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materials:Pochoir print and lithographic text on paper
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measurements:42.00 x 65.50 cm (opened page size)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1981
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accession number:GMA 2284.24
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gallery:
Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse
Matisse began taking drawing classes as a way of relieving the boredom of his job as a solicitor's clerk. However, in 1891 he abandoned his legal career in favour of painting, studying at various schools in Paris. In 1905 he exhibited with a number of artists who were dubbed by a critic, Les fauves...