Henri Matisse Drawings

French, 1869-1954

Whether working as a draftsman, a sculptor, a printmaker or a painter, Henri Matisse was a master of color. Although classically trained at the Académie Julian, in Paris, he quickly abandoned traditional techniques and genres to pioneer a style all his own, marked by quick, gestural strokes and fluid contours.

Along with fellow painter André Derain, Matisse was the leading proponent of Fauvism, a movement whose name is derived from the French word for "wild beast.” Marked by vibrant hues, Fauvist paintings like Matisse’s famous 1906 composition Le Bonheur de vivre use wild, active brushstrokes and a palette unconstrained by nature, resulting in women with purple skin and trees with orange leaves. Often, these compositions unite pure color with the white of exposed canvas to create a sense of transparency and light.

In addition to masterful landscapes and still lifes, Matisse loved to paint erotic subjects, particularly the female nude. Rejecting strict realism, he distilled the form into its essential parts and then translated these into voluptuous, rounded contours. With its striking colors and sculptural modeling of the figure, Odalisque couchée aux magnolias is among Matisse’s most famous works — and the most expensive work of his ever sold — depicting Henriette Darricarrère, his muse and favorite model for around seven years, lounging luxuriously in his Nice studio. In pictures like the lithograph Nu Bleu, he explored the expressive power of a body in motion by placing his figures in twisted or contorted poses, transforming their limbs into tangles of color and shape that push figure painting toward abstraction.

Find original Henri Matisse prints, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.

Creator: Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse Drawing Masque D'eskimo Crayon

$57,000

Henri Matisse Drawing Masque D'eskimo Crayon

By Henri Matisse

Located in Dallas, TX

Henri Matisse Drawing Of An Eskimo COA By George Matisse. Pencil on paper, 1949, Unsigned. Sheet size: 11.75 Inches x 9.2 Inches Framed in Museum fram with linen matting and museum ...

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1940s French Brutalist Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse Pencil Nude Etude From Matisse Estate

$30,000

Henri Matisse Pencil Nude Etude From Matisse Estate

By Henri Matisse

Located in Dallas, TX

Henri Matisse Original Pencil On Paper Study Of A Nude Pencil on paper Unsigned. Sheet: 8.85 x 13.75 Inches Framed: 25.5 x 21.75 Inches The ...

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Early 1900s French Modern Antique Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Vintage Boho Pencil Sketch Print of Male Nude

$950

H 21.25 in W 17.75 in D 1.25 in

Vintage Boho Pencil Sketch Print of Male Nude

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Celebrate the classical beauty of the human form with this striking vintage male nude print. Rendered in the style of a traditional graphite or charcoa...

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Late 20th Century American Minimalist Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Male Nude Study in Pencil 1940s

$1,450

H 25.6 in W 20.48 in D 0.79 in

Male Nude Study in Pencil 1940s

Located in Tilburg, NL

Nude Study in Pencil, Europe, 1940s. Beautiful and well drawn study with a male nude kneeling. Wonderful atmosphere and very elegant. At the underside of the paper there are also a few other drawings of...

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Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Henri Matisse Drawings

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Paper

Vibrant Color Lithograph after Henri Matisse

$850

H 33.25 in W 17.25 in D 1 in

Vibrant Color Lithograph after Henri Matisse

By Henri Matisse

Located in Atlanta, GA

Vibrant color lithograph after Henri Matisse, circa 1950s. Signed, dated 1951, and titled, all within the lithograph. It has been framed in a simple, clean lined black lacquer wooden...

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1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Pair of Italian Academic Charcoal Drawings of Male Nude Figures from 1880

$4,675

H 28.5 in W 22 in D 1 in

Pair of Italian Academic Charcoal Drawings of Male Nude Figures from 1880

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This pair of Italian academic charcoal drawings captures the grace and disciplined form of classical male nudes. One portrays an artist's model, his pose reflective and studied, whil...

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19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Antique Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper, Wood

"Semi-Nude Man with Beech Tree, " Pencil Drawing by John Lear

$1,500

H 20.25 in W 22.75 in D 0.5 in

"Semi-Nude Man with Beech Tree, " Pencil Drawing by John Lear

By John B. Lear

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Much like Salvador Dali, who continued to create his mysterious and puzzling landscapes long after Surrealism had lost its popularity, John Lear drew and painted in the same manner f...

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1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

"Standing Male Nude", Pencil Drawing by William Littlefield, 1937

$1,500

H 24.5 in W 12 in D 2 in

"Standing Male Nude", Pencil Drawing by William Littlefield, 1937

By William Littlefield

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Powerfully expressed, with the angular stylization characteristic of Art Deco decorative art, this pencil drawing was executed in 1937 by William Littlefield. The artist was fascina...

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1930s American Art Deco Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse Jazz Lithographs

$550 / item

H 18.75 in W 15.25 in D 1 in

Henri Matisse Jazz Lithographs

By Henri Matisse

Located in Atlanta, GA

Selection of Vibrant "Jazz" Lithographs by Henri Matisse. These examples are from the limited edition folio produced by the Museum of Modern Art in 1983. They have been framed in cle...

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1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper, Wood, Glass

"Six Scenes with Male Nudes, " Drawings from Morocco by Jacques Azéma, 1946

$6,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 12.25 in W 9.5 in D 0.1 in

"Six Scenes with Male Nudes, " Drawings from Morocco by Jacques Azéma, 1946

By Jacques Azema

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A remarkable ensemble of drawings dating to 1946, on one sheet of paper, each scene depicting one or more male nude figures, this work displays the stylization and mannerism that is suggestive of Le Corbusier and his contemporaries. The artist was Jacques Azéma...

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1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

"Hand on Hip", Brilliant Drawing of Nude Male Figures, Pencil & Watercolor, 1961

$7,500

H 21.25 in W 24 in D 1 in

"Hand on Hip", Brilliant Drawing of Nude Male Figures, Pencil & Watercolor, 1961

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Although both sides of this drawing show male figures from different viewpoints, indicating Paul Goadby Stone's use of the paper to think out his ideas and capture the moment, each i...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse Attributed Vintage Wool Rug

$9,500

H 1 in W 105 in D 67 in

Henri Matisse Attributed Vintage Wool Rug

By Henri Matisse, Concepts International

Located in Lynn, MA

A vintage hand knotted wool rug inspired by Henri Matisse's "Iracus". Rug was made by Concept International based in New York. The label present in the back of the rug. The company's...

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Mid-20th Century Belgian Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Wool

1930s Pencil Drawing of Female Nude by Sir Jacob Epstein

$6,800

H 24 in W 27.75 in D 2 in

1930s Pencil Drawing of Female Nude by Sir Jacob Epstein

By Sir Jacob Epstein

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Sir Jacob Epstein figurative pencil drawing circa early 1930s, with provenance available. There is a drawing on the front and back of the same piece of paper and thus the buyer is ge...

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1930s English Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Framed Figurative Drawing by Robert Henri Ashcan School

$3,000

H 17 in W 15 in D 0.5 in

Framed Figurative Drawing by Robert Henri Ashcan School

By Robert Henri 1

Located in Atlanta, GA

A framed pencil/charcoal drawing of a figure by Robert Henri (1865-1929). The work depicts an old man dons a cape and a hat and holds an umbrella, and is likely a study by the artist...

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Early 20th Century American American Classical Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu

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H 26.58 in W 20.67 in D 0.6 in

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. In fair condition, with wear consistent o...

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu I

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H 24.02 in W 18.12 in D 1.58 in

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu I

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. In good original condition, with mi...

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse 'Coquelicots' Lithograph', circa 1954

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H 16.54 in W 48.43 in D 1.58 in

Henri Matisse 'Coquelicots' Lithograph', circa 1954

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Henri Matisse 'Coquelicots' Lithograph, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. Henri Matisse whether working as a draftsman,...

Category

1950s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Large Framed After Henri Matisse Lithograph Gouache Decoupee

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H 48.43 in W 31.7 in D 1.58 in

Large Framed After Henri Matisse Lithograph Gouache Decoupee

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Large Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. Henri Matisse whether working...

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu IV

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H 23.82 in W 18.12 in D 0.99 in

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu IV

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. Henri Matisse whether working as a ...

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu I

Sold

H 23.82 in W 18.12 in D 0.99 in

Framed After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu I

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, circa 1970. Signed in the stone. Edited by Edition des Nouvelles Images, France. Framed. Henri Matisse whether working as a ...

Category

1970s French Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu IV

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H 31.11 in W 22.84 in D 0.04 in

After Henri Matisse Cut Out Blue Lithograph Nu Bleu IV

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, Signed in the stone, as issued Published posthumously by the estate Edition of 200 Measures: 76 x 56 cm Henri Matisse wheth...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

After Henri Matisse Lithograph, Black and White Acrobat

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H 31.11 in W 22.84 in D 0.04 in

After Henri Matisse Lithograph, Black and White Acrobat

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, Signed in the stone, as issued Published posthumously by the estate Edition of 200 Measures: 76 x 56 cm Henri Matisse whether wor...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

After Henri Matisse Nu Bleu IV

Sold

H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 0.4 in

After Henri Matisse Nu Bleu IV

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, Signed in the stone, as issued Published posthumously by the estate Edition of 200 Measures: 76 x 56 cm Henri Matisse wheth...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Lithograph after Original Matisse Drawing, 1942

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H 16.34 in W 19.3 in D 1.58 in

Lithograph after Original Matisse Drawing, 1942

By Henri Matisse

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Lithograph/plate from the book, Dessins: Themes et Variations; (Martin Fabiani: Paris, 1943) Framed with museum glass. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with a...

Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Henri Matisse Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henri Matisse drawings for sale on 1stDibs.

Henri Matisse drawings are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Henri Matisse drawings, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 5 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original drawings by Henri Matisse were created in the modern style in france during the 20th century. Prices for Henri Matisse drawings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,081 and can go as high as $57,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,330.

Questions About Henri Matisse Drawings

What was Henri Matisse famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Henri Matisse was famous for his work as a draftsman, sculptor, printmaker and painter. He is especially well known for his use of color. Although classically trained at the Académie Julian in Paris, he quickly abandoned traditional techniques and genres to pioneer a style all his own, marked by quick gestural strokes and fluid contours. Along with fellow painter André Derain, Matisse was the leading proponent of Fauvism, a movement whose name is derived from the French word for "wild beast." Marked by vibrant hues, Fauvist paintings like Matisse's famous 1906 composition Le bonheur de vivre use wild, active brushstrokes and a palette unconstrained by nature. Shop an assortment of Henri Matisse art on 1stDibs.
What is Henri Matisse’s art style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
Henri Matisse's art style is associated with several movements, including Postimpressionism and Fauvism. He was also the leading proponent of Fauvism, a movement with a name derived from the French word for "wild beast." Marked by vibrant hues, Fauvist paintings like Matisse's famous 1906 composition Le Bonheur de Vivre use wild, active brushstrokes and a palette unconstrained by nature, resulting in women with purple skin and trees with orange leaves. Often, these compositions unite pure color with the white of the exposed canvas to create a sense of transparency and light. Shop a variety of Henri Matisse art on 1stDibs.
How did Henri Matisse influence art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Henri Matisse, throughout his decades-long career, had a number of different impacts upon the art world. However, his seminal works in so-called Fauvism (French for ‘wild beast’) set him apart from the start. With strident use of color and seemingly wild brushwork, works from Matisse’s formative periods are among the most highly sought after by collectors. You’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Matisse pieces from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What are some of Henri Matisse’s most famous paintings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
Some of Henri Matisse's most famous paintings include Le Bonheur de Vivre, Blue Nude (Souvenir de Biskra), Woman with a Hat, Music, The Green Stripe and L'Atelier Rouge. Matisse also worked as a draftsman, printmaker and sculptor. Regardless of what medium he was working in, the French artist was a master of color. Although classically trained at the Académie Julian in Paris, he abandoned traditional techniques and genres to pioneer a style all his own, marked by quick gestural strokes and fluid contours. Find an assortment of Henri Matisse art on 1stDibs.
Why did Henri Matisse stop painting?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Henri Matisse stopped painting due to health concerns. In 1941, the French artist required surgery for cancer and used a wheelchair afterward. The physical limitations of his disability made it difficult for the artist to continue to produce both paintings and sculptures. However, he adapted by cutting shapes from colored paper for creative new works. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Henri Matisse art from some of the world's top dealers and galleries.
When did Henri Matisse create Icarus?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Henri Matisse created Icarus in 1947. It was printed using a stencil technique and was later included among 20 other pieces in his book Jazz. Shop a selection of Matisse’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
What was Henri Matisse's last piece of art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Henri Matisse's last painting was completed in 1951, and was titled Woman in Yellow Blouse. He also created a piece called The Swimming Pool, in 1952, which featured cutouts of divers and sea creatures in hues of blue. Shop a selection of Henri Matisse pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
What is Henri Matisse's artistic style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Henri Matisse's artistic style is largely classified as Fauvism. His colorful, expressive paintings also helped to influence Expressionist art. Some of the French artist's most famous paintings include Blue Nudes, La Danse and Le Bonheur de Vivre. Find a collection of Henri Matisse on 1stDibs.

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