Self-Portrait 1900

Henri Matisse created this self-portrait using oil paints on canvas. See how the thick, expressive brushstrokes of color define the form and evoke a sense of the artist's presence? The materiality of oil paint lends itself to layering, and here, Matisse exploits that quality to build up textures and tones. The visible brushwork emphasizes the labor involved in the painting process. Consider how the artist has used the inherent qualities of the paint - its viscosity, opacity, and reflective sheen - to create depth and dimension, while the immediacy of the brushstrokes conveys an energy that feels both modern and deeply personal. By focusing on the materials and making of the artwork, we gain insight into not just what Matisse depicted, but also how he chose to depict it, inviting us to reconsider traditional notions of art and craft.