DISCOVERART

Henri Matisse

Study for the Dance Mural

between the end of September 1931 and February 1932
Opaque watercolor and graphite on wove paper
31.8 × 55.9 cm (12.5 × 22 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Collection Gallery, Bonheur de vivre Room, West Wall

Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia · verified July 2026

View at barnesfoundation.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This work is one of four gouache studies that Matisse made while working on the Dance mural for Dr. Barnes. These small color studies helped the artist work out the palette for the mural; as the Barnes work attests, Matisse initially considered incorporating a bright section of yellow at the bottom right of the composition. Once he had finalized the color scheme of blue, black, and pink, he likely didn't need these studies anymore and gifted one to Dr. Barnes.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Henri Matisse

Bouquet of Anemones (Bouquet d'anémones)Bouquet of Anemones (Bouquet d'anémones)Houses (Fenouillet) [Les Maisons (Fenouillet)]Houses (Fenouillet) [Les Maisons (Fenouillet)]Dishes and Melon (Assiettes et melon)Dishes and Melon (Assiettes et melon)Flower PieceFlower PieceThe Sea Seen from Collioure (La Mer vue de Collioure)The Sea Seen from Collioure (La Mer vue de Collioure)Blue Still Life (Nature morte bleue)Blue Still Life (Nature morte bleue)Chinese Casket (Le Coffret chinois)Chinese Casket (Le Coffret chinois)The Red Couch (Le Canapé rouge)The Red Couch (Le Canapé rouge)