The Concert

Henri Matisse

c. 1922–23

Conté crayon

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Spain and Morocco inspired Henri Matisse to fill his life and art with sensuality. He transformed his studio into an exotic domain brimming with colorful patterns. Modulated, diffuse light and the gentle touch of his hand became hallmarks of his drawings. For The Concert, he chose materials that would produce delicate effects. The fibrous ribs of the paper wore his crayon at the slightest touch. The space between the ribs remained largely free of pigment, infusing light and air into the scene. With very fine lines, he constructed a network of rhythms and contrasts and then reinforced contours and details. He used the side of his cra