Matisse
Published on 12. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-0-500-20509-9 (ISBN)
Description
A richly illustrated survey of Matisse's impact on modern art that also examines his career, techniques, aesthetics and stages of artistic development.
The work of Henri Matisse has been both a profound inspiration to his successors and a source of infinite enjoyment to all who love art. Yet the apparent spontaneity of his colour and ease of imagery were the fruit of a lifetime's arduous labour; the simplicity of his compositions the result of a formidable intelligence. In this richly illustrated study, Lawrence Gowing takes us through Matisse's career, assessing his influence on the art that has followed him and looking closely at Matisse's own achievements. The detailed discussion of individual works reveal the subtlety and complexity of one of the greatest masters of all time.
The work of Henri Matisse has been both a profound inspiration to his successors and a source of infinite enjoyment to all who love art. Yet the apparent spontaneity of his colour and ease of imagery were the fruit of a lifetime's arduous labour; the simplicity of his compositions the result of a formidable intelligence. In this richly illustrated study, Lawrence Gowing takes us through Matisse's career, assessing his influence on the art that has followed him and looking closely at Matisse's own achievements. The detailed discussion of individual works reveal the subtlety and complexity of one of the greatest masters of all time.
Reviews / Votes
'No artist of the 20th century was so involved with the process of looking at the world and questioning that looking as was Matisse - and Gowing understands that completely' - Art in America 'Literate, informed and discerning' - Choice 'Lawrence Gowing brings the eye of a painter and the erudition of a scholar to this illuminating book on Matisse, which probes the complex ways in which the inner workings of the artist's mind find expression in his art' - Jack FlamMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
184 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 151 mm
Width: 210 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
450 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-500-20509-9 (9780500205099)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Sir Lawrence Gowing RA (1918-1991) was an English artist, writer, curator and teacher. Initially recognized as a portrait and landscape painter, he quickly rose to prominence as an art educator, writer and, eventually, curator and museum trustee.