Up for sale is a rare limited edition color lithograph titled "The Dancers (La Danse)" by master artist Henri Matisse, published in 1939 by Mourlot, Paris. This particular color lithograph is in great condition with bold colors with original fold in center as published. Only about 2000 impressions were created, and no hand signed impressions exist. The image size is 13.5 x 17" and the frame size is 27 x 33". The piece is framed archivally with a Larson Jule Italian gold/black frame with acid free materials and UV protective plexiglass acylic. The matting is a red crimson suede and looks very nice. The frame cost about $650 to create.
I will also provide a certificate of authenticity (COA) with this piece. Suggested replacement value of $2,000. Guaranteed 100% authentic. Please email me with any questions, thank you!
Discussion: An original full color double page lithograph after Matisse, depicting a circle of five nude women dancing, painted in a bold red in a very simplified green landscape against a deep blue sky. The work reflects Matisse's growing fascination with primitive art, and a spirit of happiness and freedom. The original painting was made by Henri Matisse in 1910, at the request of Russian businessman and art collector Sergei Shchukin, who bequeathed the large decorative panel to the Hermitage Museum. Published in Paris for Verve, and printed by Mourlot Freres.
Additional Bio: Henri Matisse was a French artist known for his use of color and his innovative approach to printmaking. He used a variety of printmaking techniques, including lithography, etching, and aquatint, to create a wide range of prints throughout his career. Matisse’s prints often feature bold, simplified forms and bright, expressive colors.
One of Matisse’s most famous print series is the “Jazz” portfolio, which was published in 1947. The portfolio contains 20 prints, including lithographs and cut-paper collages, that were inspired by Matisse’s love of jazz music. The prints in the “Jazz” portfolio are known for their playful, abstract compositions and their use of vibrant colors.
Another notable print series by Matisse is the “La Danse” and “La Musique” which he created using the technique of pochoir. This technique allowed him to create prints with a high degree of color accuracy and detail.
Henri Matisse is most known for being a painter, but he was also a draughtsman, printmaker and sculptor. He began his life studying law in Paris, destined to become a lawyer. However, he suffered a bout of appendicitis and was brought art materials by his mother whilst he recovered. It was at this serendipitous point that Matisse discovered art.
Matisse gained contemporary critical acclaim for upholding the classical styles association with traditional French painting. Towards the end of his life, he experimented with a different medium; using cut paper to form collages.
About the seller: Aside from being a professional artist, I have been working with original works on paper by 19th and 20th century modern and contemporary masters since 2004, with a focus on the great Salvador Dali. Regarding my fine art background and expertise, I take great pride in any original work on paper that I represent. The fine art world can be overwhelming and there are a lot of false experts, my goal has always been with educating the buyer. I have learned a lot in my nearly 20 years of working with fine art masters, as well as many highly reputable galleries and private dealers. All items I sell have been extensively researched, documented in the official catalogue raisonnes of the artists when applicable, and I provide a signed lifetime guarantee/ certificate of authenticity of the fine art I sell, legally binding me to my word. I stay away from dubious works of art, and if there is a concern I am unaware of I fortunately know the right people to ask. In 2000 after high school I moved from Connecticut to attend the George Washington University and was curator for Galerie Lareuse with expert Jean-Michel Lareuse for 11 years in Georgetown; member of the IFPDA (International Fine Print Dealers Association) specializing in original works on paper by 19th & 20th century masters such as Picasso, Dali, Chagall, Miro, Braque, Renoir, Leger, Matisse, Magritte, Kandinsky, Buffet, Dufy, Lautrec, Calder, Cassatt, Delaunay, Haring, Warhol, Degas, and many others. I oversaw and personally handled hundreds of original works on paper and was tasked with extensive research, appraisals, sales, certification, private acquisitions, as well as museum-quality professional framing. I assisted with transactions involving many prestigious museums and organizations, including a 2006 sale via Galerie Lareuse of Picasso's rare 1912 etching "Nature Morte, Bouteille" to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, a 2011 sale of Vincent van Gogh's very rare c.1890 etching "Portrait of Dr. Gachet", and a 2012 sale of a unique original gouache drawing by Sonia Delaunay which is now located in The Phillips Collection. I also assisted in the art estate of the late and great Eunice Shriver, and many other private collections in the DC area. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me as I am here to help! Kind regards, Kreg
