White Torso and Blue Torso 1944

Henri Matisse's "White Torso and Blue Torso" from 1944 is a striking example of the artist's later, more abstract style. The work features two simplified, female figures rendered in bold, contrasting colors. The white torso, set against a blue background, appears as a negative space silhouette, while the blue torso, against a white background, is a positive shape. This juxtaposition of color and form creates a dynamic tension and a sense of visual rhythm, characteristic of Matisse's paper cutouts. This work reflects Matisse's move towards pure abstraction and the exploration of color and form as primary elements.