About this artwork
Also called The Large Woodcut, this was the most important of four woodcuts produced by Matisse. It was included in both the Paris Salon of 1907 and Roger Fry’s second Post-Impressionist Exhibition in 1912. Matisse and his wife Amélie collaborated on the physical task of cutting such a large woodblock. He carved out the design and she dug out the large blank areas. Acquired in 1961 for a mere £200, this was the first work by Matisse to enter the Gallery’s collection. Today its market value would be around £30,000.
Published July 2022
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artist:Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) French
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title:Nu assis (or 'Le Grand bois') [Seated Nude (or 'The Large Woodcut')]
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date created:1906
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materials:Woodcut on paper (27/50)
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measurements:47.50 x 38.30 cm (paper 58.00 x 46.10 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1961
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accession number:GMA 787
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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...