A nude woman sits on the floor, left leg drawn to her chest and right leg outstretched, with a vacant gaze. She is wearing a sheer, embroidered, open blouse. The wall behind her has a dark and light vertical stripes, and on the floor she sits on a flowery embroidered rug. A signature indicates the print is 33/50.
Henri Matisse (1869-1954), Seated Nude Woman with Tulle Blouse, 1925. Artwork © Succession H. Matisse / DACS 2023. © The Courtauld

Seated Nude Woman, With Tulle Blouse

Henri Matisse

The nude woman with the veiled gaze in this print is recognisable as Henriette Darricarrère, Matisse’s favourite model of the 1920s. Darricarrère, a dancer who had worked as a film extra, was adept at assuming complex poses, and Matisse admired the way her athletic body caught the light. She was an aspiring artist and Matisse considered her an equal partner in the creative process. The skilful handling of pattern and tone suggests a richly coloured interior around the sculptural nude. 

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Two men sit across from each other at a table covered with a brown tablecloth, playing cards. Both men wear overcoats and hats, and the man on the left smokes a pipe. They sit inside a wooden building. i Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) The Card Players, around 1892-96, The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

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