Capucines at the Dance I
- Original dimensions
- 115.3 x 191.8 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1912
Scene depicted
In “Capucines à La Danse I,” Matisse immerses us in a warm yet mysterious atmosphere. The nasturtiums, flamboyant and vibrant flowers, intertwine harmoniously across the canvas, while delicate figures dance in a bold choreography, revealing the magic of nature in motion. Each brushstroke is a caress, each color is a heartbeat that pulses in unison.
Historical context
Created in the heart of the artistic effervescence of the early 20th century, this painting embodies the spirit of a vibrant Fauvist movement. The work, completed in 1912, comes to life in Paris, where Matisse's creative genius flourishes in an atmosphere of modernity and experimentation. Currently exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art , this canvas masterfully measuring 115.3 x 191.8 cm evokes a time when color and emotion redefined the codes of the canvas .
Place in the artist's career
“Capucines à La Danse I” represents a turning point in Matisse's career, marked by a dazzling exploration of color and form. This painting stands at the crossroads between earlier works like “Woman with a Hat” and later ones such as “The Dance.” Each canvas illustrates the evolution of his bold style and his quest for pure emotion.
Anecdote
“Light and color are the essential elements of my painting .” One sunny morning, Matisse found himself in a lush garden, where the scent of nasturtiums floated in the air. This moment of wonder inspired him to create the vibrant composition of the painting “Capucines à La Danse I,” where nature transforms into a ballet of colors.
Major exhibitions
Armory Show