Le cauchemar de l’Eléphant blanc, from Jazz 1947

"Le cauchemar de l’Eléphant blanc" is one of the 15 lithographs from Henri Matisse's 1947 series, "Jazz." This work showcases Matisse's signature use of bold colors and simplified shapes, creating a sense of movement and energy. The vibrant yellow background is punctuated by a white figure, red lines, and black organic forms, resulting in a visually striking and abstract composition. The bold use of color and simplified forms is characteristic of Matisse's later style, which leaned into the expressive potential of line and color. This lithograph, like many others from the "Jazz" series, demonstrates his fascination with the improvisational nature of music and its impact on visual expression.