Henriette as an Odalisque

Art Historical Context

In 1922, Henri Matisse created *Henriette as an Odque*, a captivating pen and black ink drawing wove paper, measuring 28.5 x 38.6 cm. The work depicts Henriette Darricarrère one of Matisse's favorite during the 1910s and 1920s, posed as an odalisque—a reclining harem figure drawn from Orientalist traditions popularized by artists like Ingres and Delacroix. By this time, Matisse had settled in Nice, France, where he produced a renowned series of odalisque paintings and drawings, blending exotic fantasy with modernist simplicity amid the post-World War I cultural shift toward escapism and decoration. Matisse, a leader of Fauvism known for bold colors, was equally masterful in black-and-white drawing, using fluid, economical lines to convey form, volume, and sensuality. Here, his precise yet expressive pen strokes on smooth wove paper highlight Henriette's elongated pose and distinctive features—high cheekbones and almond eyes—capturing elegance without color's distraction. This technique underscores his belief in line as the foundation of art, bridging his early experiments with later neoclassical influences. Now at the National Gallery of Art, donated by Lolo Sarnoff in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert von Hirsch, this drawing exemplifies Matisse's enduring legacy as a draughtsman. Visitors appreciate its intimacy, revealing how he transformed everyday models into timeless icons of beauty and repose.

About the Artist

Henri Matisse · 1869–1954

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a French painter, draughtsman, printmaker, and sculptor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and the greatest colorist of his era. Born in Le Cateau-Cambresis in northern France, Matisse initially studied law before discovering his passion for art during a period of convalescence at age 20. He became the leading figure of F...