About this artwork
In 1942 Matisse was commissioned to make a book of colour prints. Initially, he intended it to be about the circus, but decided to depict other subjects as well as his original theme. He selected Jazz as the title, to reflect the vibrancy and rhythm of the images. At a late stage, Matisse decided to write an accompanying text, consisting of loosely connected thoughts on painting, life and the making of the book. Jazz was published in September 1947 in an edition of 270 copies with text, and 100 copies of the images alone.
Updated before 2020
-
artist:Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) French
-
title:Jazz
-
date created:1947
-
materials:Book with twenty unbound pochoir plates and text (in slipcase)
-
measurements:42.00 x 65.50 cm (opened page size)
-
object type:
-
credit line:Purchased 1981
-
accession number:GMA 2284
-
gallery:
-
subject:
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...