The Port of Palais, Belle Ile 1896

"The Port of Palais, Belle Ile" is an oil painting created by Henri Matisse in 1896. It showcases a landscape view of a port on the French island of Belle Ile. Matisse's early works were characterized by a more realistic style, as seen in this painting, which depicts the architectural features of the port and the boats moored in the water. This work demonstrates the artist's keen eye for detail and color as he captures the beauty of the coastal scene, highlighting the impact of light on the buildings and the water. The artwork, currently housed in a private collection, offers a glimpse into Matisse's artistic journey before he fully embraced his later signature Fauvist style.