The Black Boat (Le Bateau noir)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Matisse depicted these fishing boats during a summer he spent in Étretat, on the north coast of France. Painted with quick, broad strokes, the small work was likely created by the artist on the spot. Étretat was famous for its white cliffs and rock formations, which Claude Monet had depicted. While the rock arch known as the Porte d'Aval is visible in the center background, Matisse focuses here on the contrasting black strokes and the rhythm of the masts across the canvas.

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