The Swimmer in a Pool Possibly 1947

"The Swimmer in a Pool" is a 1947 gouache on paper by Henri Matisse, renowned for his vibrant colors and expressive lines. This work exemplifies Matisse's later artistic style, featuring a simplified, almost abstract depiction of a figure. The composition uses bold, flat areas of color and sharp contours, characteristic of Matisse's "cut-outs" that he began making in the 1940s. The image depicts a single white form, representing a swimmer, against a background of black, green, yellow and red. The artist's masterful use of color and form creates a sense of depth and movement in this visually striking work.