Woman on a Red Sofa (Femme sur un canapé rouge)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

During his Nice period, Matisse created related groups of paintings based on identical motifs such as a window, rug, or in this instance, a red sofa. The model is likely Antoinette Arnoud or her sister. The luminosity in the upper part of the painting is attributed to the white ground, visible through thin paint layers, while more opaque reds impart weight to the canvas's lower section. The vibrant stripes on the model's robe accentuate the Chinoiserie vase and flowers on the dresser as well as the meandering floral pattern on the expansive carpet.

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