L'œuvre en bref

In 1910, Henri Matisse painted "Music" during a period of creative maturity, where he explored themes of color and form to express simple and vibrant emotions. This work is part of a series commissioned by a Russian collector, Sergei Shchukin, and illustrates Matisse's interest in visual harmony and unconventional subjects. At that time, Europe was experiencing political and cultural upheaval, which prompted artists to seek new modes of expression beyond academic traditions.

"Music" features two human figures, one playing an instrument and the other listening. In the background, a minimalist landscape highlighted by the bright blue of the sky and the green of the ground evokes an almost childlike simplicity. The figure in red, holding an instrument, sharply contrasts with the blue presence, creating a chromatic tension. This use of color, characteristic of Fauvism of which Matisse was a leading figure, expresses an intense vitality and contemplative serenity. The flat composition and simplified outlines enhance the emotional impact, translating into a visual symphony where the essence of music materializes through the harmonies of tones.

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