Odalisque à la culotte rayée, reflectée dans la glace
Henri Matisse
Description
Subject Matter:
Throughout the 1920s, Matisse did a large series of drawings, prints and paintings of odalisques. In these works, he was exploring an established artistic tradition of nudes meant to represent women from harems of the Middle East, as a means to depict the female nude. Matisse was inspired by his travels to places like Algeria and Morocco. His odalisques, such as this one, are often depicted in settings, which he arranged in his studio in Nice. These interiors often were richly patterned, a result of Matisse's love for the intricate designs of Islamic art.
Physical Description:
In this print a woman stands leaning against a mirror on her left, which shows her reflection. The woman is topless, wearing only a long necklace and billowing, striped pants. The floor is patterned with diagonal crossing lines forming diamond shapes. There is a checkered patterned arm chair in the background, as well as drapery and a doorway.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.