![Moorish Woman (The Raised Knee) [Moorish Woman (The Raised Knee)]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fipyzryhhuxgn7yro.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2FHenri_Matisse%2FMoorish_Woman_(The_Raised_Knee)_%255BMoorish_Woman_(The_Raised_Knee)%255D.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Moorish Woman (The Raised Knee) [Moorish Woman (The Raised Knee)]
- Original dimensions
- 38.4 x 46.7 cm
- Museum
- Barnes Foundation
- Year
- 1922
Scene depicted
The canvas “Moorish Woman (The Raised Knee)” evokes an intriguing and intimate scene. The female figure, gracefully positioned, exudes an aura of comfort and mystery, framed by rich and colorful patterns, illustrating the Moroccan cultural influence on Matisse's art. This composition captured on canvas evokes a pure beauty and a disturbing softness, while celebrating femininity in an authentic expression.
Historical context
Created in 1922, this painting is imbued with the modernist spirit that characterizes the early 20th century. It is the result of the creative genius of Henri Matisse , an iconic figure of Fauvism , which flourished in Paris, an artistic crossroads. Currently, this canvas is housed at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, where it continues to inspire art lovers with its dimensions measuring 38.4 x 46.7 cm.
Place in the artist's career
This painting represents a turning point in Matisse's career, a stylistic maturity at its peak. Alongside masterpieces like “The Dance” and “The Sea,” this canvas reveals the evolution of his treatment of color and form, marking a dialogue between tradition and modernity within his work.
Anecdote
“Color is my language, light is my music,” Matisse might have declared while reflecting on the inspiration for this pictorial work . Imagine him, on a sunny morning, observing a female silhouette within the colorful alleys of Tangier. This light, this fleeting encounter, gave birth to a painting that is vibrant, full of life and sensuality.