Reader on a Black Background 1939

"Reader on a Black Background" (1939) by Henri Matisse is a bold and vibrant work that exemplifies the artist's signature style. The painting features a woman seated in a chair, engrossed in reading a book, against a dramatic black background. The composition is characterized by strong lines and flat areas of color, creating a sense of depth and space. Matisse's use of vivid hues, particularly the red of the woman's dress and the pink of the table, contributes to the artwork's energetic and expressive quality. The artwork currently resides in the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.