Fatma (II) 1912

Henri Matisse painted *Fatma (II)* using oil on canvas, a traditional fine art medium that belies the work’s complex relationship to labor and class. The vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes create a visually striking image, yet the smooth surface obscures the physical effort involved in its creation. Matisse was engaging here with the aesthetics of North Africa, which he encountered on his travels. He was particularly taken by textiles, so you could say that *Fatma (II)* flattens the figure into a pattern, much like the rugs and clothing that were produced in industrial quantities. This brings into focus a tension: Matisse had the leisure to travel and appreciate these objects, but the people who made them were generally in a less privileged position. Ultimately, reflecting on the materiality and making of the work, along with its social context, allows us to appreciate the depth of meaning woven into this seemingly straightforward painting, challenging any easy separation of fine art from the world of craft and design.