The Painting Lesson 1919

"The Painting Lesson" (1919), by the renowned French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954), captures the intimacy of a painting session. The scene is characterized by its simplified forms and vibrant colors, typical of Matisse's Fauvist style. A young woman sits at a table, engrossed in her art, while an unseen artist, likely Matisse himself, works on a canvas behind her. The mirror reflects a scene of sunlit flora, adding a sense of tranquility to the composition. The work showcases Matisse's signature flattened perspective and bold brushstrokes, emphasizing the expressive qualities of color and form.