The Sword Swallower
published 1947
Image not available — this artwork is under copyright
View on museum website →Medium
color stencil in gouache
Dimensions
sheet: 42.2 x 65 cm (16 5/8 x 25 9/16 in.)
Classification
Portfolio
Department
CG-W
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Keck
Accession Number
1980.8.13
Art Historical Context
Henri Matisse's *The Sword Swallower*, published in 1947 is a vibrant color stencil print in gouache from the National Gallery of Art's collection (gift of Mr. and. Andrew S. Keck). Created late in the artist's career, it belongs to the iconic *Jazz* portfolio, inspired by the energy of circus performers and music. By this time, health challenges confined Matisse to his bed, leading him to pioneer "gouaches découpées"—bold paper cut-outs that he arranged and had stenciled, capturing a sense of joyful improvisation amid post-World War II recovery. The medium of color stencil (pochoir) in gouac...
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...