L'œuvre en bref

In 1905, Henri Matisse, leader of the Fauvist movement, created "The Green Stripe", during a period when artists sought to experiment with new ways of expressing color and form. Fauvism, characterized by vivid colors and deliberately simplified strokes, marked a break from the traditional realistic representation in art. This artwork was created during a time of artistic ferment in Paris, where innovation was encouraged and modernity embraced.

"The Green Stripe" features a portrait of Madame Matisse, the artist’s wife, where a bold green line divides the face into two symmetrical parts. The vibrant and contrasting hues, typical of Fauvism, dominate the canvas, with red and blue shades that convey both warmth and coolness. The background is also treated with bright color blocks that add to the visual tension. The green stripe, which gives the work its name, is not merely a simple shadow; it becomes the center of the composition, transforming the face into a study of duality and chromatic harmony. Through this innovative use of color, Matisse evokes intense emotions, while asserting that painting is above all a celebration of visual sensations.

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