Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse (1869–1954) was a leading figure in modern art, known for his bold use of color, expressive forms, and pioneering contributions to Fauvism. Born in northern France, Matisse originally studied law before discovering a passion for painting in his early twenties. He later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he developed a style that would revolutionize 20th-century art. His early works, marked by vibrant, non-naturalistic colors, helped define the Fauvist movement. 

Throughout his career, Matisse explored a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. In his later years, after undergoing surgery that left him largely bedridden, Matisse turned to paper cut-outs, a technique he called "painting with scissors." One of his most iconic works from this period is Icarus (1947), part of his celebrated Jazz series. With its striking silhouette of a falling figure against a starry blue background, Icarus reflects both classical themes and modern abstraction, and it remains one of his most recognized and reproduced images. 

Matisse’s legacy is firmly established in major museums around the world, including the Musée Matisse in Nice, which is dedicated to his life and work. 

The market for Matisse's work continues to be strong, with paintings and drawings regularly achieving high prices at international auctions. Major pieces have sold for tens of millions of dollars, while his cut-outs, lithographs, and prints remain accessible to collectors at various levels. Limited edition prints of Icarus and works from the Jazz portfolio are particularly sought-after for their visual impact and art historical significance.