The Beasts of the Sea 1950

"The Beasts of the Sea" is a colorful gouache and cut-paper composition by Henri Matisse from 1950. The artwork features two vertical columns, each filled with brightly colored geometric shapes and organic forms. These shapes and forms allude to the sea and its creatures, creating a dynamic interplay of colors and textures. This work exemplifies Matisse's signature style of bold, simplified forms and vibrant color palettes, which was central to his late period and contributed to his enduring legacy as a major figure in 20th-century art.