The Port of Belle Isle Sur Mer 1897

Henri Matisse made this painting of the Port of Belle Isle Sur Mer using oil on board. Matisse used dynamic brushwork in the work, applying visible strokes of oil paint across the board to create a textured surface. Notice how he has built the image with many touches of paint, almost like individual tesserae in a mosaic. The visible brushstrokes, textured surface, and layers of color are all key features of Impressionist painting. Oil paint, a mix of pigment and oil, allowed Matisse to capture the shifting light and atmosphere of the port. This medium, widely used by fine artists, can often obscure the labor involved in making art because it is valued for its aesthetic qualities, not necessarily for the skill or effort required to manipulate it. Through his bold brushwork and color choices, Matisse elevates a simple scene into a vibrant expression of the material qualities inherent in oil paint. This approach challenges our traditional notions of ‘high’ art.