Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse (1869-1954), discovered his vocation for art at the age of 20, encouraged by his mother who gave him his first painting materials. In 1890, he produced his first work and decided, the same year, to move to Paris to study art. He enrolled in evening classes at the École des Arts Décoratifs, then informally followed the teachings of Gustave Moreau at the Beaux-Arts in Paris. Moreau, who favored personal expression and the abandonment of academic conventions, had a profound influence on Matisse, advising him to "simplify painting". In 1896, Matisse had his first exhibition at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and became an associate member. He met influential artists such as Rodin and Pissarro and became increasingly interested in Impressionism, particularly after a trip to London where he discovered the work of William Turner. This stay would mark a turning point, inspiring his painting *Le Mur rose*. During this period, Matisse also began sculpting at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris.
In 1904, he organized his first solo exhibition, and the same year, he took a studio on rue de Sèvres. From 1905, Matisse actively participated in salons, notably the Salon d'Automne, where he unveiled bold works, characterized by bright and pure colors, flattened on the canvas. It was at this time that the Fauvism movement was born, with Matisse as a central figure.
From 1906 to 1913, Matisse traveled extensively in Andalusia, Morocco and Algeria, stays that enriched his style, combining simplified forms and oriental influences.