Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - "Nu Bleu I, 1952". Gesigneerd en gedateerd in de plaat. -80 x 60 cm.

Henri Matisse: “Nu bleu I, 1952".

Signed and dated in the plate.

Authorized color offset lithograph, produced on premium matte (non-reflective) paper with high color intensity.

Condition: the work is in excellent condition.
Format: 60 x 80 cm.

Henri Matisse (1869-1954), one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, was a revolutionary figure in modern art and a leader of the Fauvist movement, alongside contemporaries such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. Known for his bold use of color and innovative techniques, Matisse continued to push artistic boundaries deep into his career, as evidenced by his groundbreaking work Nu Bleu I (1952).

The French painter, sculptor and graphic artist Matisse, born in 1869 in Le Cateau, died in 1954 in Nice. After his law studies, Matisse devoted himself to painting. He first studied at the Académie Julian and then at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Various contemporary influences, notably Impressionism and Cézanne, shaped his painting. In 1905 he was one of the principal founders of Fauvism. Luminous, pure colors and the use of simplified, connecting forms characterized his work.

In 1908 he established his own painting school and in 1919 he received public recognition. For him, color was always a “living harmony of color… an harmony analogous to a musical composition.”

This artwork, part of his iconic Blue Nudes series, was created during a period when Matisse had shifted to the cut-out technique, a method that blends the simplicity of scissors with the elegance of composition. Nu Bleu I shows a graceful silhouette in a striking ultramarine shade, recalling the rich tones found in Yves Klein’s monochromes or the bold statements of Andy Warhol’s pop art. Matisse’s clean lines and flowing forms in this piece evoke the timeless refinement of an Hermès scarf or the meticulously curated elegance of Vuitton’s interior collaborations.

Nu Bleu illustrates Matisse’s unique ability to combine abstraction with a sense of human warmth and intimacy. The bold contrast of the blue cut-out figure against the neutral background gives it a sculptural quality, fitting with mid-century interior styling. A reproduction of this masterwork makes a perfect complement to a room decorated with Eames chairs or Noguchi tables.

Matisse’s works are highly sought after in the art market and frequently fetch record sums at auctions. Notable examples include: “Les coucous, tapis bleu et rose” (1911), which sold for $80.8 million at auction, or “Nu de dos” (the series of back sculptures), of which a cast brought in $48.8 million. These figures place Matisse among the most collected modern artists, alongside names like Claude Monet and Joan Miró.

Works of Nu Bleu I have become firm staples in modern and minimalist interiors, popular with collectors and interior designers. The vibrant blue tones of this piece create a sense of calm, making it an ideal focal point for rooms styled with Ralph Lauren furniture, Fendi upholstery, or even accented with a Tiffany lamp. The timeless appeal speaks to art lovers who value the fusion of simplicity and elegance.

Henri Matisse’s influence extends beyond the visual arts and inspires fashion, interiors, and contemporary design. His bold forms and vibrant colors are referenced in collections by Dior and Balenciaga, and his works are exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Nu Bleu I continues to inspire creative minds across disciplines, from textile designers to architects.

Never previously framed and kept in a dark archival storage, between acid-free protective paper.
The shown photographs are part of the description.

This artwork is carefully securely packaged and shipped in protective acid-free paper.
No shipping to the Canary Islands.

Some artists of comparable importance, such as Basquiat, Picasso, Hockney, Lichtenstein, Sorolla, Banksy, Brainwash, Miró, Nara, Soulages, Lagasse, Ramos, Rothko, Lautrec, Matisse, Modigliani, Hirst, Chagall, Koons, Haring, Indiana, Mondrian, Groening, Richter, Monroe, Kusama, Murakami, Testa, Villemot, Oldenburg, Ripolles, Wesselmann, Magritte, Jenk, Orlinski, Wille, Rizzi, Manara, Thiebaud, Herrera, Laurent, Klein, Coa, Dior, Vuitton, Kaws, Valentino, Cappello, Kandinsky, Warhol, Buffa, Tura, Castle, Ponti, Knoll, Le Corbusier, Robert, Johns, Starck, Breuer, Nelson, Mogensen, Ponti, Bertoia, Urquiola, Chillida, Magistretti, Gauguin, fine art, vintage design, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Lego, Pokémon, Star Wars, Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh, Botero, Katz, Braque, among others."