L'œuvre en bref

Created in 1911, "Goldfish" by Henri Matisse belongs to a period in which the artist explored color and its ability to evoke emotions. The early 20th century was marked by several artistic movements, including Fauvism, which Matisse co-founded. This period is characterized by the use of bright and bold colors, rejecting realistic representations in favor of emotional and visual expressiveness. "Goldfish" reflects this exploration, as Matisse draws inspiration from his travels and cultural interactions to transform his observations into vibrant works.

The painting depicts a cylindrical bowl containing goldfish, placed at the center of a composition filled with lush vegetation and bright colors. The bowl, with its reflections and distortions, creates a fascinating visual play, seeming to float among the large green leaves. The goldfish themselves, symbols of tranquility and exoticism, add a vivid and contrasting note to the center of the composition. The simplicity of the theme is enriched by the complexity of forms and colors, inviting the viewer to dive into a scene that is both domestic and timeless. The work embodies Matisse's aim to capture a sensation rather than a faithful reproduction, thus manifesting a visual and emotional harmony.

Want to buy another Henri Matisse painting? Discover all our reproductions of this artist.