L’Antiquaire Georges Joseph Demotte 1918

Henri Matisse's "L’Antiquaire Georges Joseph Demotte" (1918) is a portrait of the French art dealer and collector Georges Joseph Demotte, a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene. The painting showcases Matisse's signature use of bold colors and simplified forms, particularly evident in the striking blue eyes and expressive brushstrokes defining the subject's beard and mustache. The portrait, in a simplified and slightly flattened style, reflects Matisse's transition towards Fauvism, a movement that prioritized expressive color over realistic depiction.