Woman before an Aquarium
1921–23
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
81.2 × 100.2 cm (31 15/16 × 39 7/16 in.)
Classification
painting
Department
Modern Art
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
27984
Art Historical Context
Henri Matisse's *Woman before an Aquarium* (1921–23) captures a serene moment in an opulent interior, where a poised woman gazes into a glowing fish tank. Painted in oil on canvas (81.2 × 100.2 cm), this work exemplifies Matisse's mature style during his time in Nice, France, blending Fauvist boldness with refined harmony. The vibrant blues, greens, and golds of the aquarium contrast beautifully with the room's patterned fabrics and furnishings, creating a dreamlike space alive with color and light. Created in the early 1920s, amid the cultural ferment of post-World War I Europe, the painting...
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...