Exhibition Books

Matisse in the Studio

Ellen McBreen and Helen Burnham with contributions by Suzanne Preston Blier, Jack Flam, Claudine Grammont, Hélène Ivanoff, and Marie-Thérèse Pulvenis de Seligny
Format Regular Price Member Price
Hardcover $55.00 $49.50

216 pages, 180 color illustrations, 9 × 11 in., ISBN: 978-0-87846-843-0

Softcover $30.00 $27.00

216 pages, 180 color illustrations, 9 × 11 in., ISBN: 978-0-87846-845-4

This book is the first in English to explore the essential role that Henri Matisse's personal collection of objects played in his studio practice. Featured frequently in the modern master's bold paintings, drawings, and cut-outs, and also influencing the development of his work in sculpture, Matisse's objects formed a secret history hiding in plain sight. Works that span the artist's entire career are presented here alongside the objects that inspired them, from Asian vases and African masks to intricate textiles from the Islamic world. With lush illustrations and archival images, Matisse in the Studio provides exceptional insights into the world of the artist at work.


Editorial Reviews

"I can think of no other exhibition that has told us so much about what artists do and how they think." - Eric Gibson for The Wall Street Journal

"Matisse in the Studio… focuses on the artist’s relationship with his objects…― a seaglass green vessel, a Congolese mask, North African tapestries ― paired with the paintings where they appear. The result is a heightened sense of intimacy with his already sensual, summery paintings, and gives a glimpse into the studio ― and mental ― space of the artist." - Nina Maclaughlin for The Boston Globe

About the Author

Ellen McBreen is Associate Professor of Art History at Wheaton College, Massachusetts.

Helen Burnham is Pamela and Peter Voss Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.