| The Conversation | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Artist | Henri Matisse |
| Year | 1912 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Location | Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg |
| Dimensions | 69 5/8 in × 85 3/8 in |
| 177 cm × 217 cm | |
| Famous Paintings by Henri Matisse | |
| L’Atelier Rouge, 1911 | |
| The Conversation, 1912 | |
| Woman Reading, 1894 | |
| The Dance, 1909 | |
| The Snail, 1953 | |
| Green Stripe, 1905 | |
| Beasts of the Sea, 1950 | |
| The Open Window, 1905 | |
| Woman with a Hat, 1905 |
Henri Matisse painted his famous piece, the Conversation, between the period of 1908-1912. During this time period Matisse eloquently displayed himself and his wife while having a conversation of sorts. Matisse in blue and white striped pajamas and his wife gracefully adorned in what appears to be a black gown, face each other while in front of a large window. The bright blue background while flat, illuminates as one peers through the window to the lush greenery and garden landscape.
Style and Technique
A trendsetter in the Fauve movement, Henri Matisse opted for a slightly more toned down version of the style. Although he incorporated intense colors like blue and green, his brushstroke was flatter and more direct. The large oil on canvas painting that took four years to complete is a compilation of restraint and decorative design.
The Conversation is a masterfully crafted painting that visually shows the dynamic between a man and a woman. The vibrant colors, the intricate brush strokes and interesting details set the stage for a classic painting by Henri Matisse.