Henri Matisse, Woman Before an Aquarium, 1921-1923, oil on canvas, Helen Birch Bartlett Memorial Collection, Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
Title: Woman Before an Aquarium, 1921-1923
Artist: Henri Matisse (1869-1954)
How long has she been entranced by the delicate goldfish swimming back and forth before her? Is she studying them? Intrigued by their movement? Or is she actually reflecting, lost in thought? Perhaps contemplating her life? Or dreaming of the future?
Early twentieth century French artist Henri Matisse was a master of interiors, mainly set in the quiet spaces of his apartment. Its decor often highlighted by the fabrics and textiles he bought while traveling in the exotic locales of northern Africa earlier in his career. For do you see the striking, patterned screen in the background, likely from Algeria or Morocco, a memory from a personal and artistic journey that he never forgot.
CCO Public Domain Designation
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