Henri Matisse (1869–1954) – Nu bleu II

Henri Matisse – Nu bleu II (Blue Nude II) – Art print, Fondation Beyeler 2005

This art print, based on Henri Matisse’s famous work ‘Nu bleu II’ (Blue Nude II), depicts one of the French artist’s best-known compositions and ranks amongst the iconic motifs of modern art. The depiction of a female figure, reduced to just a few forms and an intense blue expanse of colour, embodies Matisse’s extraordinary sense of colour, line and composition. With its clear, almost sculptural formal language, the work possesses a timeless aesthetic appeal.

The original motif ‘Nu bleu II’ was created in 1952 and forms part of Matisse’s famous series of Blue Nudes. During this late phase of his career, the artist developed his characteristic papiers découpés technique, in which he cut out shapes from pre-painted paper and assembled them into new compositions. The human figure is thereby reduced to its essential contours without losing any of its expressiveness.

The work depicts a seated female nude in an intense blue, whose body appears to be composed of individual, organically shaped planes. The deliberate reduction to a single colour and the light-coloured background lend the motif a particular clarity. Despite the seemingly simple composition, a fascinating interplay of movement, stillness and spatial effect emerges.

This art print was published in 2005 by the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen near Basel and, according to available information, authorised by the Henri Matisse estate. It was printed on heavy paper, which brings out the motif’s intense colour effect particularly well. This is a high-quality later reproduction of the original work and not an original print created during the artist’s lifetime or signed by him.

With its generous dimensions of 70 × 50 cm, the print has an impressive presence. The clear interplay of vibrant blue and a light background makes it a versatile work of art for both modern and classic interiors. The minimalist composition really comes into its own, particularly when framed simply.

The Henri Matisse art print ‘Nu bleu II’ is in very good condition and, according to the available information, has never been framed. The combination of a significant motif from classical modernism, its publication by the Fondation Beyeler and the high-quality paper makes it an attractive piece for lovers of modern art and graphic design.

Product details

• Artist of the original work: Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
• Title: Nu bleu II / Blue Nude II
• Original work: 1952
• Product type: Art print / Art reproduction
• Publisher: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen near Basel
• Year of publication: 2005
• Printing technique: Art print
• Material: Heavy paper
• Motif: Seated female nude in blue
• Colour: Blue / White
• Style: Classical Modernism / Abstract figurative art
• Signature: Unsigned
• Dimensions (H × W × D): Approx. 70 × 50 cm, paper thickness not specified
• Framing: Unframed
• Condition: Very good – according to available information, never framed
• Special features: 2005 edition by the Fondation Beyeler, iconic motif from Matisse’s ‘Blue Nudes’ series

About Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse (1869–1954) ranks among the most significant artists of classical modernism and is regarded as one of the most important innovators in 20th-century painting. As a leading exponent of Fauvism, he developed a distinctive visual language centred on intense colours, simplified forms and harmonious composition. His artistic output encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and large-format paper cut-outs.

In his later years, Matisse devoted himself increasingly to *papiers découpés*, or paper cut-outs. Using scissors, he cut shapes out of sheets of coloured paper and arranged them into expressive compositions. This technique afforded him a new freedom in his use of colour and form and resulted in some of his best-known works.

The Blue Nudes series from 1952 ranks among the highlights of this creative phase. Using just a few blue paper shapes, Matisse succeeded in reducing the human body to its essential lines and movements. ‘Nu bleu II’ is today one of the best-known examples of this radical simplification and a symbol of Matisse’s extraordinary understanding of colour and design.