In Ferrara for the excellent exhibition ‘Matisse La Figura’ which follows the theme of the figure throughout his career. Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954) was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and his stylistic innovations altered the course of modern art. .

He was always experimenting, abandoning conventional perspective and form in favour of simplified areas of pure colour, flat shapes and decorative patterns. The figure was important throughout his career despite his stylistic changes. In 1942 Matisse affirmed “the model is the source of my energy”. This exhibition contains over 100 works including sculptures, portraits and other paintings containing figures.

Henri Matisse ‘Seated Nude, Back Turned’ (1917)

Henri Matisse ‘Odalisque with Grey Trousers’ (1926 – 27)

Henri Matisse ‘The Yellow Hat’ (1929)

Henri Matisse ‘Still Life with a Sleeping Woman’ (1940)

Henri Matisse ‘Blue Interior with Two Girls’ (1947)