Goldfish by Henri Matisse | AllPaintingsStore.com

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"Goldfish"

Henri Matisse - Oil On Canvas - 140 x 95 cm


famous painting Goldfish of Henri Matisse

Introduction

Henri Matisse, a leading figure of the Fauvist movement, created the captivating oil-on-canvas painting Goldfish in 1912. This masterpiece is now housed at the Pushkin State Museum in Moscow, Russia. In this article, we delve into the historical context, composition, and thematic significance of Matisse's iconic work.

Historical Context

In the early 1900s, Matisse established himself as a pioneer of Fauvism, an art movement characterized by its strong use of color and painterly qualities. During this time, he visited Tangier, Morocco, where he was inspired by the locals' fascination with goldfish swimming in bowls. This experience influenced his subsequent series of paintings, including Goldfish.

Composition and Themes

Goldfish features a still life of Matisse's own garden furniture, plants, and fish tank. The painting is dominated by bright orange hues that contrast with the more subtle pinks, greens, and blue-green background. Matisse's depiction of space creates tension as the goldfish can be seen from two different angles simultaneously: from the front and from above. The themes in Goldfish include Matisse's use of complementary colors, his quest for an idyllic paradise, his appeal for contemplative relaxation for the viewer, and his complex construction of pictorial space. The motif of fish in aquariums was notable in his work and became a recurring sight from the early to mid-1910s.

Provenance and Legacy

Goldfish was purchased by Sergei Shchukin in Paris directly from Matisse's studio in 1912. It was part of Shchukin's Pink Drawing Room ensemble in his home before being acquired by the State Museum of New Western Art and eventually the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. Goldfish is an illustration of some of the major themes in Matisse's painting, showcasing his unique style and masterful use of color. To learn more about Henri Matisse and explore other works by this influential artist, visit WahooArt.com.
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