Le Cheval l'écuyère et le clown [The Horse, the Rider and the Clown] (from 'Jazz')
About this artwork
Matisse’s nurse, Lydia Delectorskaya, noted Matisse’s description of many of the works to be included in the publication, Jazz. Of this work, Matisse stated: 'the equestrienne is evoked by her (black and white) skirt which hangs down over the horse’s back; the clown by his green, black and yellow costume; the yellow lash is that of the ringmaster’s whip'. Following surgery for cancer in 1941, Matisse struggled to stand by an easel and instead made cut-outs while confined to his bed or wheelchair. In 1942 he was commissioned to make a book of colour images. He conceived it as a book on the circus although began to incorporate other subjects and motifs. In 1944 the artist decided to include accompanying hand-written texts, offering breathing spaces between the vibrantly coloured images.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) French
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title:Le Cheval l'écuyère et le clown [The Horse, the Rider and the Clown] (from 'Jazz')
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date created:1947
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materials:Pochoir print 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 2284.10
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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...