Etude de fruits et de feuilles de néflier (Study of medlar fruits and leaves), 1944 by Henri Matisse
- Untitled Art Gallery
- Jun 26, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 16
Etude de fruits et de feuilles de néflier (Study of medlar fruits and leaves), 1944; Black Conté crayon on paper; Signed and dated 'H Matisse 44' lower right; With original Certificate of authenticity from Archives Matisse; Size - 16 1/2 x 12 1/2", Frame 28 x 23 1/2"; Framed with a black wood frame, floated and matted with acid free white mats, black wood fillet, and UV conservation clear glass; Provenance, Exhibition History, and Price are Available On Request!
"What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.” – Henri Matisse
Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse (1869–1954) was a pioneering French artist celebrated for his revolutionary use of color and his distinctive draughtsmanship. Alongside Pablo Picasso, he is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists, whose work fundamentally reshaped the visual arts of painting and sculpture. Early in his career, Matisse was associated with the Fauves, a group of “wild beasts” whose bold use of color shocked contemporary audiences. By the 1920s, however, he had increasingly been recognized as a master of the classical tradition within French painting, blending his modernist sensibilities with a refined sense of harmony and structure. Over a career spanning more than half a century, Matisse continually reinvented his approach, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of modern art.
A significant portion of Matisse’s work was devoted to drawing, in which he often explored variations of leaves and botanical forms found both in his own garden and in the garden of his friend and publisher, Tériade. These drawings were executed using pencil, Conté crayon, or pen and ink on paper, and were distinguished by their remarkable economy of line. Matisse sought to capture the essential character of his subjects with minimal strokes, believing that each line expressed his own emotions, which could then be integrated harmoniously into the composition. The dimensions and proportions of his chosen supports were carefully adapted to achieve designs of absolute elegance and clarity. By contrasting the drawn elements with expanses of untouched white space, Matisse elevated his botanical studies into “generators of light,” transforming simple natural forms into luminous, contemplative artworks.
One exemplary work from this practice is Etude de fruits et de feuilles de néflier (Study of Medlar Fruits and Leaves), 1944. This exquisite drawing depicts Mespilus germanica, commonly known as the medlar, a fruiting tree cultivated since Roman times. Medlar fruit is typically harvested in winter and becomes sweetest after ripening and undergoing a softening process known as bletting. The fruit’s flesh has a unique flavor reminiscent of apple puree, with subtle hints of citrus, date, and apricot. Matisse’s rendering of the medlar is instantly recognizable for its classic, loose drawing style, characterized by flowing, confident lines. The leaves and fruit are captured with remarkable economy, creating a composition that balances elegance, movement, and simplicity. Through subtle contours and the fluidity of his strokes, Matisse conveys both softness and depth, allowing the viewer’s eye to move gracefully across the page. The thoughtful use of negative space not only enhances the sense of calm and serenity but also reinforces the luminosity that Matisse sought in all his work.
Etude de fruits et de feuilles de néflier stands as a spectacular, large, and rare drawing by Henri Matisse. Its combination of refined technique, natural beauty, and masterful composition makes it a striking example of the artist’s genius and a treasured addition to any art collection.
Exhibited:
Le Cateau-Cambrésis, Musée Matisse, Matisse et l’arbre, October
2003-January 2004, p. 131 (illustrated)
Pontoise, Musée Tavet-Delacour, Henri Matisse, fleurs, feuillages et
fruits, May-June 2005, p. 39, no. 28 (illustrated)
Nice, Musée Matisse, Cinématisse, 2019
Georges Matisse has confirmed the authenticity of this work.
