L'œuvre en bref

Henri Matisse created "Icarus" in 1944 as part of his famous art book "Jazz," published in 1947. At that time, Matisse was bedridden due to health issues and turned to the technique of cutting gouache-colored papers to continue expressing his creativity. "Jazz" represents a new direction in his work, combining text and visuals to create a symphony of colors and shapes, a visual metaphor for musical improvisation. The book itself marks the late period of Matisse, where he reinvented his art despite physical constraints.

In "Icarus," Matisse presents a black human silhouette against a deep blue background, scattered with bright yellow stars. The figure of Icarus is distinguished by its dramatic posture, with arms and legs extended, symbolizing the mythological fall of the character. The bright red heart on the chest adds an emotional dimension, evoking both courage and vulnerability. The stripped-down forms, typical of the cutting technique, create a dynamic and expressive composition. The work captures both the spirit of freedom and the tragic fate of Icarus, highlighting Matisse’s remarkable ability to evoke complex narratives through apparent simplicity, echoing his constant interest in the relationship between form and background.

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