The Lagoon 2 1947

"The Lagoon 2" (1947) is a gouache on paper by Henri Matisse, a celebrated French artist. This work exemplifies Matisse's signature use of bold colors and simplified forms characteristic of his cut-out paper works, which he began using in the 1940s. The organic shapes and vibrant hues evoke a sense of movement and energy, reminiscent of the ocean's ebb and flow. This work is a testament to Matisse's mastery of color and form, and a quintessential example of his contribution to 20th-century art. The work is currently housed in the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra.