Nude on a Blue Couch (Nu au divan bleu)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Matisse probably executed this painting executed in one session, as recorded by his assistant, Lydia Delectorskaya, who posed for the picture. The blue couch and the model's body are composed of thin washes. The artist has left the ground layer exposed in areas like the right edge of the composition, where the model's proper left hand would have been. Flecks of thicker impasto animate the patterned cushion on which she leans. Matisse has balanced the curves of the reclining nude with the tiled wall behind her.

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